The Healing Power of Nature:
Ecotherapy and Mental Health
In our screen-focused world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected. For many people, traditional therapy can be an essential part of managing mental health, but have you ever considered stepping outside as part of your healing process? Ecotherapy—also known as nature therapy—uses nature-based experiences to improve emotional well-being.
Research has shown that spending time outdoors, whether it’s a nature walk or simply sitting in a park, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. A systematic review by Jordan et al. (2018) found that exposure to natural environments can significantly lower anxiety levels, with the calming effects often lasting long after the time spent outside.
The benefits of ecotherapy extend beyond stress reduction. Spending time in nature has also been shown to enhance cognitive function, creativity, and emotional regulation. Research by Bratman et al. (2019) indicates that nature-based activities like forest bathing and nature walks not only reduce negative thinking but also enhance attention, creativity, and overall mood.
Nature’s ability to help clear the mind and promote positive feelings is one reason ecotherapy is becoming a popular complement to more traditional forms of therapy. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, stress, or just need a way to reconnect with yourself, ecotherapy offers a gentle, accessible way to improve your mental health and well-being.
The presence of natural settings has been found to improve concentration and increase feelings of connectedness, which are often diminished in our modern, technology-driven lives. Ecotherapy encourages a reconnection with the earth, which many studies suggest can help reduce symptoms of burnout and increase overall life satisfaction (White et al., 2019). With growing research supporting its effectiveness, ecotherapy offers a holistic approach to mental health care that taps into the inherent therapeutic benefits of the natural environment.
References:
Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., & Cochran, B. (2019). "The Benefits of Nature Experience: Improved Affect and Cognition." Landscape and Urban Planning, 196, 55-63.
Jordan, R., Hinds, J., & Korman, N. (2018). "Ecotherapy and the Reduction of Stress: A Systematic Review." Journal of Environmental Psychology, 58, 28-38.
White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M. H. (2019). "Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective." Science Advances, 5(7), eaax0903.
