The Most Beloved Nature Therapy Practices
Nature immersion brings balance to our minds and our environment
Down to Earth
Every April 22, we remind ourselves of the environment. A way many people celebrate Earth Day is by taking a nature walk, a practice with its roots in ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy, says the health of our minds and bodies are linked to our relationship with the environment. In clinical research, nature interventions are shown to have positive benefits on the psyche of participants.
Here are a few types of nature-based therapies studied by experts.
Forest Bathing/Wilderness Therapy
Forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, is the Japanese practice of nature immersion. The premise is, since people developed in the wild, there are physiological benefits of returning to it.
In one study, the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for managing our stress) was increased by 55.0% after participants sat in natural surroundings.
Green Exercise/Movement Therapy
Sitting behind desks and commuting by car, many people have little to no regular physical activity. Sedentary lifestyles are common in contemporary cities.
Parks, greenspaces and nature trails encourage people to go outdoors more by making nature accessible and readily available.
Based on studies of participants across several public open spaces, researchers found,
Those with very good access to large, attractive POS were 50% more likely to achieve high levels of walking
So it is recommended to include carefully thought out design in neighborhood landscapes where residents can walk, bike and run.
Horticulture/Garden Therapy
Getting your hands in some dirt can release chemical in your body that make you happy. Have you noticed the silly looks on peoples’ faces when they touch some raw earth?
According to research, friendly microbes in soil can stimulate serotonin production in our bodies, effectively acting as an anti-depressant.
Now you know why you liked playing in dirt so much as a kid.
Dark Nature
Explore the wonder and mystery of doing outdoor activities at night.
Dark Nature can involve stargazing, nighttime nature walks, and toasting marshmallows by the bonfire.
This is one easiest ways nature therapy can inspire creativity; nocturnal environments are known for shifting a persons point of view. A study found that participants felt a “a sense of personal growth” and “a variety of transcendental thoughts and experiences.”
Light a lantern and wish upon a star.
Going Forward
We all rely on nature for our nutrition, health and stability.
Ecotherapy can help us to connect to our own ecology and remind us to protect our local environments.
Hopefully this inspired you experience nature for yourself and find what works for you.
I provide individual support by recommending wellness practices that are informed by each person’s unique nature. Follow to receive more articles.
