At what point did we go from living in harmony with nature to being “prescribed’ ecotherapy or nature therapy. Over time experts in the fields of psychology, philosophy, theology, immunology, and anthropology have come to the solid conclusions that being “exposed” or being submerged in nature benefits our mental and physical health in profound ways. I like to call it “returning home”. Ecotherapy is defined by experiencing routine exposure and experience in nature. Routine exposure to nature has been proven to enhance mental cognition, decrease heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol (stress), increase white blood cells (our ammo to fight infection), and provide biochemical calming effects on the brain (Seaward, 2021).
One way I like to experience nature is by working outside with my hands in the dirt pulling weeds, planting new seeds, being barefoot outside, and feeling the sunshine on my skin. I also like to take regular walks on nature trails, go to the beach, the springs, and again, I like to be barefoot as much as possible. Nature and recreational therapy can be a variety of experiences depending on the desire of the individual; animal therapy, horseback riding, kayaking, meditation, gardening, farming, swimming, the possibilities are endless. One study showed evidential data that participants who had walked in the nature preserve reported less anger and more positive emotions than those who engaged in the other activities (GoodTherapy, 2018). We are a part of nature, we are nature, and it feels nourishing to become conscious of that eternal connection. When we are in our natural habitat it supports our bodies return to our natural state, homeostasis.
References
GoodTherapy. (2018, August 15). Ecotherapy / Nature Therapy. Goodtherapy.org. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/econature-therapy
Seaward, B. (2021). Essentials of managing stress. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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