The Healing Power of Nature

One must only read a few lines from poets such as Frost, Wordsworth, and Thoreau to recognize human beings’ love for nature and our deep need for connection with it. It only makes sense, as we are just as much a part of the Earth and the Universe as the grass, trees, water and our sun. Since the dawn of humanity, we have always craved mother nature. Nature stirs our souls and imagination and brings beauty to our everyday lives. But this is not the only reason why it’s good for us. Nature also brings a plethora of benefits to our mental and physical health.

The Various Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

Research is now clearly indicating that spending time outdoors has very positive impacts on our health. Whether you bike, hike, run, walk or simply sit under a tree enjoying the sights and sounds, time in nature has shown to reduce stress, slow heart rate, improve pain, lower cortisol, and stimulate the immune system by boosting the production of natural killer cells that fight disease and infection.
Additionally, time outside equals time in the sun, and THAT means getting a nice boost of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for our bodies and can do everything from preventing disease, make our bones and teeth stronger, to improving our mood.

Give Ecotherapy a Try

Ecotherapy, which is also sometimes called nature therapy, is a practice in the emerging field of Ecopsychology. The idea behind this practice is that in our modern and ever-changing world many people, whether they are aware of it or not, feel a massive disconnect from the natural world. Our ancestors spent hundreds of thousands of years living WITH nature, feeling it under their bare feet, being outside, ebbing and flowing with the shifts in seasons. Human society was very much revolved around nature and our seasons up until about 100 years ago.

But today, most of us are only connected to our digital devices. Ecotherapy gives people a break from screen time and out into the beauty of the natural world. Many clinicians believe that the earth has a natural ability to balance us. When we get back in touch with the systems of nature, we can experience improved mental health. We also agree with this form of therapy in combination with traditional forms of mental healthy interventions.

If you are feeling out of sorts and like the idea of trying ecotherapy, you can simply spend more time outside. If you would like someone to help you reconnect with nature, please get in touch with us. We can decide how to incorporate this into your lifestyle and treatment plan.

Sources:
Psychologytoday.com
Goodtherapy.org
Natureandforesttherapy.earth