Nature therapy, often known as ecotherapy, is founded on using nature to aid in healing, particularly mentally. Instead of appreciating and benefitting from nature, we are spending an increasing amount of time on screens and online, which can be tempting but not very healthy. We don’t spend nearly as much time outdoors as we used to unwind, blow off steam, or rejuvenate. It takes planning and effort to ride our bikes across a meadow or play games by a peaceful lake. These leisure pursuits have been supplanted by increased time spent on social media and video gaming, which often results in stress and a range of mental health problems. There are several structured ways to spend more time outdoors and reap the mental benefits of it.
It Can Be Done in Various Ways
Here are some forms of nature therapy: Agriculture-related treatment may entail working with crops, sometimes in a communal setting. It helps you connect with the soil and the elements and you get the satisfaction of growing something on your own. Animal-assisted therapy may involve playing with or training horses or dogs. This form of therapy helps with relaxation and self-confidence. Adventure therapy may include white water rafting or rock climbing and comes with the added value of fitness. Wilderness therapy is often used to assist adolescents and young adults with behavioral challenges. Forest therapy, also known as forest bathing, is a contemplative technique in which you walk through a forest with active awareness to all five of your senses.
Research demonstrates that we may harness Mother Nature’s healing qualities and enjoy a slew of mental health advantages. The issue is whether we are taking advantage of a cost-effective and straightforward answer to our difficulties.
Reduced Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Due to the alarming pace at which anxiety, stress, and depression affect college students in the United States, one research evaluated 14 previously published studies involving college-aged people. Nature-rich surroundings have unmistakably aided in the reduction of mental discomfort. The research contrasted people living in urban regions to those living in rural settings. What it also highlighted was how quickly these pupils were affected. It showed that spending at least ten minutes in various natural environments, either sitting or walking, had a substantial and favorable effect on the participants’ mental health. This was determined using critical psychological and physiological criteria.
Increased Cognitive Benefits
When we spend time in nature, our minds thrive. We have increased concentration, which is often referred to as sharper cognition. Another recent research demonstrated the beneficial effects of exposure to natural surroundings on the brain. It helps us perform better while doing activities requiring working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attentional control.