Northpoint Colorado is located at the foot of the majestic and rugged expanse of peaks, valleys, and alpine landscapes that make up the Southern Rocky Mountains. This area of the country has long captured the hearts and imaginations of all who encounter them. Its peaks, some exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation, create a dramatic backdrop that has inspired poets, artists, and nature lovers for generations.
A symbol of natural beauty and a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing people from all walks of life, the Southern Rocky Mountains are renowned for their stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and abundant recreational opportunities. More recently, the area has proven highly effective as a Rocky Mountain recovery.
In other words, Northpoint Colorado’s location can itself serve as fantastic resource for improved mental health and aid in one’s recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. Some of the ways in which exploration of the Southern Rocky Mountains might be effective in aiding one’s recovery from substance use or mental health disorders include:
Spurs Better Physical Health
Spending time outdoors provides opportunities for exercise and physical activity. Hiking, biking, climbing, and other adventure activities done in the Southern Rockies promote cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance. Also, these physical challenges build self-esteem.
Provides a Natural High
Being in nature can boost your mood and improve your mental health. According to the 2021 study, Associations Between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, there is a strong association between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and even sleep.
Adventure activities like hiking, biking, and camping all release endorphins, which improve mood and act as natural antidepressants. And being amid such a large expanse of natural beauty cannot fail to have a positive effect on one’s mood. Keep in mind, John Denver sang about the “Rocky Mountain High” with good reason.
Boosts Self-Reflection and Awareness
The Rockies’ tranquil setting provides a calming backdrop, prompting one to detach from their daily chaos to engage in introspection. The beauty of the natural environment inspires contemplation on personal values and priorities. Moreover, the mountains practically urge one to be present in the moment, enhancing one’s Rocky Mountain recovery.
Establishes Group Dynamics
Whether it’s camping, climbing, hiking, fishing, or skiing, time spent in the Rockies can often be time spent with others, allowing for the cultivation of teamwork and group resilience. The dynamic outdoor setting also encourages adaptability, unveiling personal, perhaps heretofore undiscovered, strengths.
Breaks Negative Thought Patterns
Through a combination of sensory stimuli, environmental changes, and psychological effects, the Southern Rocky Mountains provide a welcome break from modern life. Such a break allows one’s mind to shift focus. It reduces the cognitive load associated with daily stressors and leaves triggers behind.
Inspires Personal Growth
The Southern Rockies provides the perfect opportunity to learn and employ basic survival skills such as navigation, fire building, and shelter construction. Such skills impart self-sufficiency and problem-solving. Meanwhile, overcoming obstacles in a controlled setting helps build courage, self-reliance, and adaptability—all necessary components of long-term recovery.
Nestled in the shadow of the Southern Rockies, the caregivers of Northpoint Colorado have developed a strong affinity for their mountainous neighbors. With humility we operate with respect for this region’s rich heritage and appreciation for its stolid grandeur.
The area stands as a testament to the power of nature to challenge and inspire people from all walks of life. From its craggy peaks to its tranquil valleys, this region has woven itself into the fabric of American culture. The sense of awe and wonder that the Southern Rockies evoke can be transformative. It can lead those in recovery to develop a deep connection with the natural world and better manage their regrets.
Perhaps no one described this dynamic better than poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, who declared, “In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.”
Find Recovery at the Foot of the Southern Rockies
Interested in a Rocky Mountain recovery? Northpoint Colorado is Loveland’s source for individualized addiction and mental health treatment. You’ll find us at 4565 Kendall Parkway, near Northern Colorado Regional Airport. If you’re traveling south down I-25, you can reach our location via East Crossroads Blvd. and Rocky Mountain Ave. If you’re traveling north, the most direct route to us is I-25 to East Eisenhower Blvd. and Rocky Mountain Ave.
Ready to enroll or just have a question? Call us today at 970-627-6316 for help. We’re also available through our online information form.