Healed by Nature

Written By: Arman Momeni

Take a moment. Step outside. Place your hands out. Feel the gentle gust of the wind dancing through the crisp air. Open your ears. Listen carefully. Listen to the harmonious song of the birds. Listen to the calming hiss of the leaves. Listen to the transcendent flow of the waterfall. Smell the fresh, replenished air burrowing its way into your obstructed nostrils. Find a spot. Take a seat. Close your eyes, and take a moment to focus. Forget about the world and simply use your senses to feel. We are bodies of nature. Nature is our home; it is a place to heal, grow, and reconcile. This articles from Science ReWired discusses ecotherapy – a prescription from nature.

Ecotherapy:

Ecotherapy is the applied practice of incorporating a connection with nature in our everyday lives, a connection that is studied to help our mental health and wellbeing. Many mental health practitioners are beginning to incorporate, and even replace, existing practices with ecotherapy. The root of ecotherapy is simple; it’s all about a connection with Earth and its systems. While ecotherapy may seem very ethereal, it is still rooted in science. In one study, conducted by Professor Terry Hartig of Uppsala University, participants were asked to participate in a cognitive task that drained their mental state and induced fatigue. After the task, the participants were split into three groups, each spending time in a different circumstances. The first group walked in an urban area, the second group sat quietly and read magazines or listened to music, and the third group walked in a nature preserve. The results of the study showed that the people who spent time in nature had lower levels of anger and more positive emotions than those who engaged in the other two mundane activities.

The beneficial effects of nature stem from what people experience through their senses. When we are exposed to natures sounds, we recover quickly from psychological stress, as opposed to being exposed to the dissonant sounds of road traffic. Or inhaling the fresh scents of fruit is far more beneficial to our mental well-being than is the aromas of oil and gas.

Types of Ecotherapy:

Ecotherapy can embody a number of different forms. It can be as simple as sitting in a park or participating in some mindful gardening.

Forest Therapy:

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, which translates to forest bathing. Forest therapy is a research-backed practice of immersing oneself in the forest to promote mental and physical health while one relaxes and takes in the beauty of nature. Spending time in the forest can lead to improved relaxation, increased physical activity, and reduced stress.

Exercise:

Green exercise refers to taking part in physical activity while simultaneously exposing oneself to nature. This can include gardening, walking, cycling, running, or something adventurous like horse-back riding.

With the help of animals:

Animal-assisted therapy involves spending time with an animal or multiple animals. This can include therapy pets like a dog or even going to a farm. One can simply pet, feed, or groom an animal under the supervision of a professional therapist.

In the wilderness:

Wilderness therapy is similar to forest bathing, but it involves a more rigorous immersion in natural environments. Wilderness therapy comprises immersing oneself in nature by camping or hiking while simultaneously partaking in exercises rooted to aid survival skills. By partaking in wilderness therapy, one can confront their null and unfit behaviors, helping to build self-confidence, overcome negative beliefs, improve communication skills, and gain a level of trust in themselves.

Works Cited:

Team, G. E. (n.d.). Ecotherapy / Nature Therapy. GoodTherapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/econature-therapy#:~:text=Ecotherapy%20is%20based%20on%20the,benefits%20of%20connecting%20with%20nature.

Migala, J., & Welch, A. (n.d.). What is Ecotherapy? nature therapy for beginners. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/integrative-health/ecotherapy/guide/

Person. (2020, August 31). Ecotherapy: Types, benefits, and DIY Tips. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/ecotherapy#evidence