Ecotherapy And Mental Health
An option that is gaining in popularity and usefulness
If you have mental health struggles such as depression or anxiety, you may feel like you’ve tried every method available to alleviate the challenges. Among the different methods available for mental health issues, another option you may not realize is available is ecotherapy.
Combined with other strategies to boost mental health, ecotherapy can be a powerful and helpful tool to improve your overall state of mind. As a bonus, engaging in ecotherapy is free and highly accessible.
What is ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is the practice of alleviating mental health issues’ symptoms by spending more time outside in nature. This can involve exercising outdoors, sitting in the grass, soaking up the sun, going for a swim, gardening, taking a walk through the woods, and simply existing outdoors in an effort to reconnect with the outside world.
Research supports ecotherapy as a positive method for helping mental health issues because humans are a part of nature, though it is easy for humans to become disconnected from it. In a world filled with things like work, relationships, errands, tasks, and responsibilities, human beings often lose that “natural connection” with nature, as many people don’t have time to spend outdoors simply enjoying it.
The idea is that ecotherapy allows people to experience the outdoors as an outlet for relaxation and stress relief. Ecotherapy exists within the theory that humans have an extremely deep connection to nature, and that by rekindling a connection with it, they experience great benefits to their mental health.
What are some simple ways to try ecotherapy to boost your own mental health?
Ecotherapy doesn’t require any special equipment – you can begin engaging in this mental health booster in some easy, everyday ways.
Try doing some of your favorite hobbies and activities outdoors instead of indoors.
If you enjoy activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to music, try taking these enjoyable activities outdoors! Not only will you get to spend time doing one of your favorite activities, but you will also get the benefits of immersing yourself in nature.
Be more mindful when you are outdoors.
Rather than only being outdoors physically, bring yourself outdoors mentally as well by practicing mindfulness. Whenever you go outside, check in with your senses to make the entire experience more connected and mindful. Notice things like the sunshine on your skin, the coolness of the grass on your feet, and the direction the breeze is blowing. Making these small sensory connections can help “ground” you, making you feel even more relaxed and connected to the outside world.
Find natural spots in your day to experience more outdoor time.
Think about your usual routine and find a few ways to enjoy more outdoor time within your existing schedule. For example, you can take a walk outside when you need a quick break during work. Or, you can take that conference call while taking a walk outside.
You can try exercising outdoors rather than at the gym or enjoying your morning coffee out on the back porch rather than indoors on the couch in the mornings. These simple changes don’t mess with your routines – it simply helps you squeeze in more outdoor time while doing the things you normally do.
Join a group that participates in outdoor activities.
Trying new things is often easier in a group setting. Find groups who enjoy participating in outdoor activities together, such as a recreational sports league, a gardening club, a hiking group, or a biking group.
Not only will you get to enjoy some wonderful time connecting with nature, but you will also have the opportunity to meet some new folks and enjoy socialization time – both of which can work wonders for your overall mental health.
dhf
If you liked this content check out my article on the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors at: https://www.theunreliablemind.com/blog/spend-time-outdoors-and-strengthen-your-brain
Feel free to leave a comment.