Ecotherapy: Nature’s wonderful impact on mental health and happiness

After working as a freelance writer for years, I had become used to the uncertainty that came with the job. But losing my job during the pandemic left me feeling lost and scared. The uncertainty and isolation only added to my anxiety and sadness. Sitting idle in my apartment with nowhere to go made me feel miserable. During this difficult time, I decided to return to my family’s farmhouse in Mangalore, a place that has always been special. I decided to spend two months there, hoping to clear my mind and heal from the stress I was experiencing.

Although I had visited this beautiful place many times before, this time, it was just me, surrounded by green fields and the soothing sound of birds. At first, the silence felt strange, but it soon became comforting. Each morning, as I watched the sun rise, I began to feel calm. I wandered outside, walked in the fields and sat by the stream. Gradually. I felt my worries start to fade away.

According to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine, our minds and bodies relax in natural settings, leading to increased feelings of pleasure and improved concentration. Ecotherapy or a therapeutic approach that emphasises on the healing benefits of spending time in natural environments, encourages people to connect with nature to improve their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Many studies have shown that being in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while promoting relaxation. Even activities such as hiking, gardening and simply sitting in a park can bring peace to many. So, join us as we explore ecotherapy and how being in nature can enhance our mental health and happiness.

Makes you appreciate life’s simple joys

We often rush through life, caught up in work and responsibilities. We become so entangled in our routines that we forget to appreciate the small things in life. Ecotherapy or nature therapy encourages us to slow down and notice these simple joys.

Spending time in nature, whether it’s trekking in the hills or gardening in our backyard helps us reconnect with what truly matters. This connection with nature brings a sense of gratitude and peace that’s greatly beneficial for our mental health. It also reminds us to cherish the happiness inducing little moments that often go unnoticed in our busy lives.

Alleviates stress and anger

At times, feeling frustrated is something we simply cannot avoid; whether we are stuck in slow-moving traffic or when things don’t go as planned or when we deal with a situation we have no control over. However, nature has a wonderful way of helping lessen that stress and anger we feel.

When we engage in ecotherapy activities like hiking or walking in a park, we breathe in fresh air and take in the calming sights and sounds around us. This natural setting helps us escape our everyday pressures by restoring our calm. In fact, we must regularly spend some time outdoors to lower our stress levels and learn how to cope with frustration better.

Combats loneliness

When we live in big cities, it’s easy to feel lonely at times. The chaos of the city can make us feel isolated, even when we are surrounded by people. Surprisingly, even little pockets and corners of greenery can help combat this loneliness.

Ecotherapy can alleviate feelings of loneliness by promoting social connections in natural environments. Whether it’s joining a group for a nature walk, finishing an article in the local park or simply spending time outdoors under a big tree or near a pond—the time spent in nature not only lifts our spirits but also reminds us that we are not alone.

Enhances connection, mindfulness

Another benefit of ecotherapy is that it promotes a deeper connection with ourselves and our surroundings. By practising mindfulness in nature such as paying attention to the rustle of leaves or the texture of a flower or the bark of a tree, we can ground ourselves in the present moment. This awareness helps us connect with our feelings better.

Practicing this can even lead to a greater understanding of the self and bring forth lasting emotional wellbeing.

Supports recovery

Spending time in nature is known to aid faster recovery from physical and emotional pain. Studies show that patients who have access to green spaces tend to heal more quickly and experience less pain. According to a well-known study conducted by physician Robert Ulrich, patients who had surgery and were put in rooms with a view of trees outside reported tolerating pain better and had shorter hospital stays.

Indeed, nature has been found to reduce pain perception and support healing in many studies. Greenery has the ability to distract us from discomfort as well as promote relaxation.

Further, for those dealing with trauma, being in nature can provide a safe space to process emotions.

Enhances breathing

When we spend time in natural environments, it helps lower stress levels and encourages deeper, more relaxed breathing, which tends to counteract the negative impacts of polluted air. Research suggests that exposure to natural landscapes promotes better respiratory health and boosts immunity. Indeed, ecotherapy has been linked to better breathing, even when caused by excessive pollution.

Undoubtedly, nature therapy has the potential to greatly improve our mental health and happiness. Spending time in natural settings can help reduce stress, lift our mood and make us feel better overall. In addition, it is a wonderful opportunity to not just feel better but also build a stronger bond with our environment. So, it’s a must try for all, no matter the age or place.