I didn’t expect kayaking to become one of my favorite nervous system resets, but it has done just that. There’s something about gliding along on top of the water that drops me right into presence. The quiet dip of my paddle, the shimmer of light on the water, the wide sky overhead, its as if my whole body remembers how to relax. Nature has always been a refuge for me, and in my work offering outdoor therapy and wellness events in Boise, I often talk about the healing power of slowing down and letting the natural world help regulate our nervous systems. Kayaking is one of the
most reliable ways I’ve found to do just that.
The River Knows What to Do
On the water, I don’t have to try so hard. I don’t have to analyze or fix anything. I just show up, breath, move, and let the river guide me.
From a physiological standpoint, this makes sense. The slow, rhythmic movement of paddling can help regulate the autonomic nervous system. The bilateral movement alternating left and right, has been shown to engage the brain in a way that supports emotional processing, similar to techniques used in EMDR (Shapiro, 2001).
Being in natural environments, especially those with water, has also been linked to reduced cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and increased parasympathetic activity, which is the part of the nervous system responsible for “rest and digest” (White et al., 2010; Song et al., 2019). In other words, the river really is helping us calm down on a biological level.
A Sensory Reset Just Outside Boise
One of my favorite things about kayaking the Snake River, especially the stretch in Twin Falls near Centennial Park, is how close it is to home. Within 2 hours of Boise, Idaho we have access to some of the most grounding, beautiful places in the West. These aren’t just scenic getaways. They’re invitations to return to yourself. There’s no rush. No agenda. Just this:
The steady sound of water lapping against the kayak.
The warmth of the sun on your shoulders.
The wings of a heron or blackbird gliding overhead.
The sparkle of dragonflies skipping across the water’s surface.
This kind of sensory experience isn’t a luxury; it’s a nervous system reset. It brings us back into our bodies, into the moment, and into what really matters. It’s also tons of fun.
A Practice to Try on the Water
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted, here’s a gentle practice to bring on your next river outing:
1. Set an intention. Something like “today I let myself soften,” or “I trust the river to hold me”.
2. Sync your breath to your paddle strokes. Let the movement be slow and even.
3. Let yourself notice. Watch the water, feel the breeze and the sun, listen to the birds.
4. Pause. Let yourself drift and take it all in without effort.
5. Close with gratitude. A simple thank-you to the river, your body, and this moment is enough.
Boise Outdoor Therapy and Nervous System Support
You don’t have to go far to feel peace. Some of the most powerful outdoor events near Boise, Idaho are simple and personal. Things like taking time to paddle the Snake River, sit with stillness, and let nature help your system come back into balance.
If you’re curious about guided Boise outdoor therapy sessions, or if you’re longing for moments like this in your week, I offer individual nature-based counseling and small group experiences. I also lead seasonal classes designed to help women slow down, reset, and reconnect.
References
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
Son, C., Ikei, H., & Miyazaki, Y. (2019). Physiological effects of nature therapy; A review of the research in Japan.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(18), 3257.
White, M.P;, Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M.H. (2010). Would You Be Happier Living in a Greener Urban Area? Psychological Science, 24(6), 920-928.