Outdoor activities emerge as key tool for first responders and veterans managing stress
A veteran and former first responder explains how nature-based activities can support mental health and resilience among service members and emergency personnel.
A military veteran who later served as a first responder is sharing how time spent outdoors has become a powerful way for service members and emergency personnel to manage stress and build resilience. The account, featured by CBS News, highlights a growing recognition of nature-based approaches as a complement to traditional mental health support.
Nature as a Practical Outlet
For many veterans and first responders, the demands of their professions can create sustained pressure that is difficult to process. According to the veteran interviewed, simple outdoor pursuits — from hiking and fishing to organized recreation programs — offer a chance to decompress, reconnect with peers, and shift focus away from the intensity of duty. He described these activities as a way to "reset" after difficult shifts or deployments.
Research cited in similar programs has linked regular time in natural settings to lower cortisol levels, improved sleep, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress. While outdoor time is not a replacement for clinical care, advocates say it can serve as an accessible, low-cost tool that fits into demanding schedules.
Broader Push for Support
The discussion comes as several organizations expand resources aimed at the mental well-being of those who serve. Veterans-focused groups are increasingly partnering with outdoor recreation programs, while first responder agencies are exploring peer-led wellness initiatives. Events such as veterans-only stand downs and community gatherings are creating spaces where service members can access information, connect with others, and try new activities.
- Time outdoors can lower stress markers and improve sleep quality
- Group activities build camaraderie and reduce isolation
- Partnerships between veteran groups and outdoor programs are expanding
Supporters of these approaches say the goal is not to medicalize the outdoors but to give service members and first responders another reliable way to stay healthy. As awareness grows, more agencies are incorporating nature-based options into their broader wellness strategies, recognizing that resilience often begins outside the office, station, or barracks.