Nature therapy is a proven way to improve your health through spending time outside. Statistics show that people who spend time outdoors have seen substantial improvement in their mental and physical health. This type of wellness is also known as “ecotherapy”, among other titles. This post describes nature therapy and provides ways to incorporate the practice into your life for a healthier outlook overall.
Disclosure: I am not a licensed medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your mental or physical health, reach out to a licensed professional.
What is Nature Therapy?
There are multiple labels for the practice of using nature to improve your health. Also known as “green-therapy”, “ecotherapy”, “grounding”, etc., this method is used to boost your overall wellbeing. Spending a small amount of time in nature each day acts as a simple therapy session to bring your body and mind back to a calm and relaxed state. The process of nature therapy is backed by science and experience to reap benefits in your daily life.
Benefits
If you’ve ever been kayaking, hiking, or camping among other outside activities, you know the feeling of peace and comfort nature can bring. Scientifically, nature provides solid benefits that you might have heard of before.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body needs to survive. A small amount of vitamin D is provided through consumption of food, while most of the nutrient is provided by the sun. This vitamin is important for the development of strong bones, muscles and teeth.
2. Stress
Throughout daily life, there are stressors that can impact your mental and physical health. This can include work, money, relationships, and more. Studies show that over 70% of the population experiences stress that affects their body and mind. Nature therapy results in lower blood pressure, better sleep, and lower risk of some diseases among other benefits.
3. Immunity
The body’s immune system is significantly influenced by nature. Exposing yourself to fresh air strengthens your body’s ability to resist common diseases. In addition, improvement in your immune system contributes to better health overall, including physical and mental well-being.
4. Brain Health
Your brain relies heavily on oxygen to function. Providing your brain with more oxygen will improve its functionality, increasing ability to focus, concentrate, and think clearly. Plants and trees produce oxygen through photosynthesis, so the closer you are to nature, the more oxygen you receive to promote brain health.
5. Happy Hormones
Happiness is a feeling that comes from chemicals in the body. The 4 main hormones in your body that produce happiness are endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. The presence of these hormones reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase feelings of happiness and brain stimulation. Nature therapy boosts these hormones to increase overall happiness and mental health.
These are just 5 of the various benefits being outside provides. This is a great reason to practice nature therapy as often as possible to live a healthier, happier lifestyle.
How to Practice Nature Therapy
Nature therapy is the cheapest, easiest, and fastest way to improve your health. The earth doesn’t charge you anything to appreciate it, all you have to do is get outside. Below are some great ways to practice therapy in nature.
Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is a practice originally established in Japan in 1982. In Japanese, this nature therapy technique is called “shinrin yoku”. The meaning of this is to use all 5 senses to take in nature in a woodsy or forest environment. Hiking is a great form of forest bathing, as this activity immerses you fully in nature, and requires deep breathing. Click here to read more about forest bathing.
Grounding
Grounding is a form of meditation performed by connecting your body to the earth. Touching your skin to the ground is key in this exercise. Joining your bare hands or feet with the earth has various benefits, and can be paired with meditation to relax the mind and body. Click here to view a guided nature meditation in conjunction with grounding.
Exercise
Outdoor exercise is one of the best forms of nature therapy. Not only are you receiving the benefits of nature, but also the benefits of moving your body. Furthermore, body in motion stays in motion, so regular exercise will improve your lifestyle overall. Click here to view a list of outdoor exercise ideas.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to practice nature therapy. This exercise stretches and strengthens the body, heals your joints, and improves your mental state. Click here to view a 10 minute yoga routine used on its own, or in conjunction with exercise.
Animal Therapy
Animals are a prominent part of nature, and have intuitive capabilities to connect with the earth. Have you ever heard of animals being able to predict natural disasters? Animals are able to sense chemical and physical changes in the earth weeks before a natural disaster occurs, shown through behavioral changes leading up to an event. Therefor, spending time with animals brings you closer to nature by interacting with them, or just by observing.
Outcome
Nature provides an objective opinion on life. Overlooking a mountain range or the ocean reminds us how small we are in a vast universe. The earth teaches us that everything has a purpose, and life will go on. Nature therapy helps us focus on important things and let the little things go. Click here to read The Art of Letting Things Go.
Creating new habits takes practice and self discipline to establish a consistent routine. The benefits of nature therapy go beyond the surface for a better lifestyle inside and out. After a few nature therapy sessions, you’ll notice the benefits and continue the pattern toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Did you like this post? Comment your favorite way to spend time outside below!
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