The Healing Power of Nature: Ecotherapy and Mental Wellbeing

All eyes, all ears in a safe, comfy zone,

here to tell you that you are not alone.

Looking beyond what you can see,

setting those vile, dreary thoughts free.

This is my ode to a therapist. This is also my ode to nature. 

You’re walking amid a tree-laden, brick path with the sun rays shining onto the earth below through the dense canopy of the towering trees. The gentle breeze with the faint smell of mud blows across your face that lightens the burden of your pervasive, troublesome thoughts.  The red lilies that border the path The sparrows chirp away in the chaos of melody. This is the symphony of nature and the antidote to your gloom. 

The confluence of ecology and psychology has sparked discussions on the healing power of nature. This has led mental health professionals to incorporate nature in their practice. 

This article explores the role of nature in fostering mental well being and ecotherapy.

In the advent of technology and digitalization, human beans as a species have somewhat lost their ancient connection with nature and this is a risk for a plethora of physical and mental health illnesses and disorders. However, as easily as we have slipped into the void of technology, it is equally easy to come out.

Photo by  Jeremy Bishop Team  on  Unsplash

So let’s explore what does nature’s bounty have to offer for mental well-being:

Recuperation

Nature is a beautiful place to heal and recuperate. A study conducted by Ulrich et al., 1991 measured the physiological responses of 120 subjects with stress. They were assigned to one of six videotapes consisting of both natural settings and manmade settings. The results showed that recuperation from physical ailments such as blood pressure and muscle tension were much faster and more complete when individuals were exposed to natural environments than man made environments. Moreover, the speed of nature-induced restoration was around three minutes. 

Retrospection

There is no better escape than nature. Whether you had a terrible fight with somebody or you received some devastating news, nature is a great emotional outlet and thinking space. It’s the perfect space for you to think about your life in retrospect and a haven for introspection. Nature, like our therapists at Heart It Out, creates a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your emotions and thoughts, and enable you to reflect back on them to know yourself and your needs better. 

Rejuvenation

Multiple studies have shown that spending time in nature uplifts your mood and boosts self-confidence and self awareness. Taking breaks from study or work in nature instils a sense of calmness like no other. This calmness in other words, is the time your body and mind replenish themselves. As a result, your energy levels are up and attention is restored. Moreover, seeing the colours of nature like green rejuvenate the eyes, which get strained on reading or looking at a screen for prolonged durations.

Ecotherapy

Ecotherapy refers to the field of therapy that seeks to vitalise or re-vitalise the bonds between human beans and nature to contribute to healing, mental wellbeing and personal growth. The foundation of ecotherapy lies in the intricate balance on earth. Ecotherapists believe that establishing this balance can positively impact our mental health and well-being. 

This has further inspired healthcare professionals and caregivers to incorporate the presence of nature, even if it is subtle into their journey of caregiving and nursing. Research has shown that spending time in nature has been linked to several physical, mental, emotional and of course, spiritual health benefits. Nature serves as a holistic remedy for a host of mental health disorders and conditions.

Photo by  Filip Urban Team  on  Unsplash

  Here is a bird’s eye view of what ecotherapy entails:  

As the name “ecotherapy” suggests, it involves working in a natural environment, be it in the rural countryside or parks and other recreational spaces in urban cities. In ecotherapy sessions, there is a particular task or activity that is carried out. These activities may vary from one mental health professional to another.

Some of the broad things that ecotherapy may involve are animal-assisted interventions, gardening, environmental conservation, wildlife and adventure. These may involve spending time with other people but can be done alone as well. The best feature of ecotherapy is that it is suitable for all age groups as sessions can be tailored to physical abilities, social interactions and health ailments. 

Nature is extremely vast and we as a species should be grateful to be a part of this ethereal creation. While nature as a means of healing may not be everybody’s preference, its magnificent realms must never remain unexplored.