How Nature Helps Relieve Stress & Anxiety

There is a growing body of evidence that shows that spending time in nature can significantly improve mental health. Numerous studies have found that spending time in outside can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. We promote this idea through Warfighter Overwatch's programming by organizing Squad Recons that feature physical activities, Valhalla Hikes, and more. Nature is the great equalizer - it doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, or where you come from. It's harsh, unforgiving, and has a way of humbling those who experience it.

Nature improving one's mental health isn't just speculation, though. One study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that spending time in nature can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol1. When cortisol levels get out of control, it can disrupt almost all of your bolidy processes, resulting in symptoms that range from elevated anxiety to high blood pressure and cardiac events. This study showed that those who spent time in nature had lower cortisol levels than those who did not.

"Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with the brain regions that control mood, motivation, and fear."

Mayo Clinic

Another study published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression2. The study found that participants who spent time in a natural setting had lower scores on a depression symptom scale compared to those who did not spend time in nature.

In addition to reducing stress and improving mood, spending time in nature can also promote overall well-being. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that spending time in nature can improve cognitive function and promote feelings of vitality3. Participants who spent time in a natural setting had improved performance on cognitive tests and reported higher levels of vitality compared to those who did not.

How Does Nature Help?

There are a few different mechanisms by which experiencing nature can benefit mental health. One theory is that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and improve mood by providing a break from the demands and distractions of everyday life. Nature can also provide a sense of awe and wonder, which can promote feelings of well-being and happiness. This is the whole idea behind our Valhalla Hikes.

Another potential mechanism is that spending time in nature can help to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. Studies have shown that stress can have negative effects on the immune system and can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to a number of mental and physical health problems. By reducing stress, spending time in nature may help to reduce these negative effects and promote overall health and well-being - especially if doing something active like hiking.

Overall, the evidence shows that spending time in nature can benefit mental health in a number of ways. By providing a break from the demands and distractions of everyday life, promoting feelings of awe and wonder, and reducing the negative effects of stress on the body, spending time in nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. We encourage you to get outside, whether it's hiking, fishing (my favorite), surfing (Danny's favorite), or something else, just get outside and do something. You'll be glad you did!

1.  Can Natural and Virtual Environments Be Used To Promote Improved Human Health and Wellbeing? M. H. Depledge, R. J. Stone, and W. J. Bird. Environmental Science & Technology 2011 45 (11), 4660-4665
DOI: 10.1021/es103907m

2. Shin, W.S., Shin, C.S. & Yeoun, P.S. The influence of forest therapy camp on depression in alcoholics. 
Environ Health Prev Med 17, 73–76 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-011-0215-0

3. Front. Psychol., 03 June 2022
Sec. Environmental Psychology
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.864836

3RD ANNUAL SWING AGAINST SUICIDE GOLF TOURNAMENT

By Faun O'neel • March 26, 2024
 3RD ANNUAL SWING AGAINST SUICIDE GOLF TOURNAMENT Join us for our 3rd Annual Swing Against Suicide Golf Tournament! We are so thrilled to be hosting our golf tournament again at Sierra View Country Club! The proceeds from this tournament will go to support our programs to increase access to mental health for our veteran and first responder population. Our tentative schedule is as follows: 9:00am Check in begins- enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts and participate in the chipping and putting contests! 10:00am Shotgun Start- Food and drink available on course! 4:00pm Tournament finishes and winners announced! Click HERE to sign up

Battle of the Badges (PD vs FD)

By Faun O'neel • January 25, 2024
Link to register: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/KRYHPpiRnZIi2mxqAu5JYw Link to Donate: Must select Fire or PD. https://app.99pledges.com/fund/warfighter

Operation Christmas

By Faun O'neel • November 10, 2023
Operation Christmas Warfighter Overwatch, in partnership with Boys Team Charity, is teaming up to adopt military/veteran families this holiday season. We are looking forward to an amazing gift distribution event on 12/10/23 in Folsom, complete with a winter wonderland with free family photos with Santa and/or a vintage truck. A hot cocoa bar, letter writing to Santa and gift/holiday meal pick up. We would love your assistance getting this into the hands of the families in need. Please share with any veteran/military member or group in your network. Click this link to apply: https://forms.gle/HkD627J1ck1UqU4N6

2nd Annual Swing Against Suicide

By Ryan Gwiazdon • April 17, 2023
2nd Annual Swing Against Suicide Golf Tournament

2nd Annual Family Recon Gift Drive

By Ryan Gwiazdon • December 1, 2022
Did you know that one of the key factors in suicide prevention is connectedness? Studies have shown that positive social relationships and community connections can significantly buffer the risk factors in people's lives. The Family Recon Gift Drive was created to bolster the connection Veterans and First Responders have with the people they love most - their family. We are seeking family experience gift donations. Some examples include: Family portraits Museum passes Zoo passes Attraction/Amusement park tickets Theater tickets Movie passes Painting/pottery classes Game night kits We will be delivering these gifts to First Responders in our community so that they can create lasting memories with their loved ones this holiday season. Let's get some awesome gifts together for them to show our support! We are accepting donations for family activities until Dec. 17th ! Donations can bet dropped off at Kinetic Ink Tattoo Company , or you can email donations/gift cards to info@warfighteroverwatch.org !
Giving Tuesday Donation Banner

Support Warfighter Overwatch on #GivingTuesday!

By Ryan Gwiazdon • November 29, 2022
Join Warfighter Overwatch this #GivingTuesday and help us spread a little love to Veterans and First Responders! Giving Tuesday started in 2012 as a global day of generosity, held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Last year, nonprofits in the U.S. alone raised $2.7 billion . This year, Warfighter Overwatch provided a myriad of resources to more families, departments, and individuals than we ever thought possible - and we simply could not do it without you - our generous donors and volunteers! This #GivingTuesday , help us finish 2022 strong and consider donating or volunteering for an upcoming event! If you're discovering Warfighter Overwatch for the first time, here's a brief overview of our programming. 100% of your donation goes directly to funding these programs and helping more Veterans and First Responders in our community. To stay updated on what how we're impacting these communities and how you can help, join our newsletter .

Recap | Valhalla Hike with Sacramento Fire Department

By Ryan Gwiazdon • November 13, 2022
On Saturday, Warfighter Overwatch hosted a hike for members of Sacramento Fire Department. We chartered a bus that picked up the firefighters in Downtown Sacramento and drove to Pacifica. Once there, they hiked San Pedro Beach to Devils slide. After the hike, we hosted the guys for lunch at Humble Sea Brewing Co. (which we highly recommend!). We couldn't have asked for better hiking weather, and the camaraderie and fresh sea air was a nice break for these firefighters who are working increased mandatory overtime. These guys are trained to grind it out, no matter how tired they are. These hikes are an exercise in doing just the opposite - slowing down, taking a look around, and enjoying nature with your support system. Furthermore, human well-being is linked to nature in a myriad of ways, and there is a growing body of empirical evidence that suggests spending time in nature can have a significant positive impact on mental well-being . Nature connectedness is also associated with a reduction in risk factors and burden of some types of mental illness. The last, and perhaps scariest thing evidence suggests is that opportunities for experiencing nature are decreasing for many, as we get more concentrated and urbanized. This means it's never been more important to get outside and engage with nature! If you or your department are interesting in planning a hike with Warfighter Overwatch, send an email to info@warfighteroverwatch.org !

Recap | 1-32 CAV RSTA Sqaud Recon

By Ryan Gwiazdon • November 11, 2022
Squad Recon highlight reel by Ryan Gwiazdon.
2022 ca nonprofit of the year seal

2022 California Nonprofit of the Year

By Ryan Gwiazdon • June 8, 2022
We are thrilled to announce that Assemblyman Kevin P. Kiley has selected Warfighter Overwatch as a 2022 Nonprofit of the Year! Each year, California Assemblymembers and State Senators are invited to honor a Nonprofit of the Year for their district. The honorees serve communities throught the state and address a wide range of issues - from food insecurity and climate change, to at-risk youth, education, domestic violence, mental health and more. We are incredibly proud to be selected.

My Suicide Story: The Veteran Suicide Epidemic

By Faun O'neel • May 16, 2022
Danny O’Neel was born and raised in Northern California. Signing up for the Army on 9/11 as a Forward Observer at 19, and it drastically changed the course of his life. Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, he quickly climbed the ranks to sergeant and became a squad leader in only 17 months. Though Danny thought he would be headed to Afghanistan, the Army had other ideas, instead sending him to Iraq – twice. Though the first tour was mostly uneventful, the second trip to Sadr City was a deadly year. Nine of Danny’s brothers lost their lives that year. Sadly, 15 members of his unit have taken their own lives in the aftermath, including his company commander. Danny now works as a peer mentor, helping his fellow Veterans come home from the battlefield; and as a motivational speaker. His mission to continue serving is not just inspirational, it’ll motivate you to get in the fight!