Exploring the Benefits of Nature for Mental Health

Photo by Amy Treasure on Unsplash

The mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature are well-documented. Studies have consistently shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Nature has a calming and therapeutic effect, providing peace and relaxation.

For these reasons, it is increasingly being recommended as a way to improve mental health.

What Is Nature Therapy?

The idea behind nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy, is to use nature to promote healing, mainly psychological healing. We spend more time online and on screens rather than taking advantage of and appreciating the natural world.

We only go outside as frequently as we once did to unwind, blow off steam, or recharge. For instance, we can no longer play games near the lake or cycle across a meadow as we used to.

We now spend more time on social media and video games in place of such leisure pursuits. We are a stressed-out society with a wide range of mental health conditions.

Green and Blue Therapy

Nature therapy may also be referred to as “green care,” “green exercise,” or “green treatment.” This is because spending time in green settings has substantial benefits.

However, nature therapy also involves spending time close to tranquil lakes, rivers, and seas. Being close to water surroundings has a healing impact on the mind. It elevates our feelings. Blue also stands for peace.

The Blue Health project studied the connection between blue spaces and health in 18 European nations. Researchers found that 18,000 participants reported feeling better when they were near rivers.

The Different Approaches to Nature Therapy

• Farming-related therapy could involve working with crops, often in a community.
• Animal-assisted therapy might consist of playing with or training horses or dogs.
• Adventure therapy, which may feature white water rafting or rock climbing.
• Wilderness therapy often helps groups of teens and young adults with behavioral issues.
• Forest therapy, also called forest bathing, is a mindful practice in which you use your five senses as you walk through a forest.

5 mental health benefits of being in nature

1. Nature helps with stress reduction. The beauty and serenity of nature create a sense of inner peace and tranquillity.
2. Nature helps calm depression. Nature affects our five senses, giving us a feeling of gratitude and mindfulness that induces happy hormones.
3. Nature improves cognitive functions. Studies reveal that regardless of age, nature helps improve our mental processes.
4. Nature boosts self-esteem. Being in green environments can increase happy hormones that elevate our mood and help us feel better about ourselves.
5. Nature encourages positive social interactions. You will meet and socialize with others when you go to a park or a zoo. Going on nature trips can help you make new friends and reduce social isolation.

How to Bring Nature Indoors

Only some groups have easy access to green or blue places due to socioeconomic factors. Even people with the resources may refrain from indulging in nature amid lousy weather and the chilly winter months. Walking beside a river or going on a trip to a nature preserve might be challenging.

You can still quickly access nature even if you don’t have much time or access, have a busy schedule, or don’t feel comfortable spending much time outside in the cold.

• Add greenery. Research demonstrates that people who spend time with plants have better relationships and are more concerned, empathic, and compassionate toward others, in addition to removing contaminants from the air.
• Use nature-themed artwork or photos to decorate. Select picturesque landscapes, verdant gardens, or sights from nature. Researchers discovered that participants in a study regarding the health advantages of nature had less stress after witnessing beautiful green surroundings.
• Download apps with relaxing nature sound and use soundscapes. Never discount the impact of hearing a waterfall or the sound of rain. Not only is it increased relaxation and a sensation of unwinding the outcome. Additionally, results include improved cognitive function and attention recovery.

This article was co-written with a therapist from Sensera — a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship problems). Download now to become happier!