In 2024, I studied Forest Bathing and what I learned is having such a positive effect on my well-being. I am continuing to study nature based self-care and am excited to share my findings with you in our 2025 blog posts.
Eco-therapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, harnesses the healing power of nature to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This therapeutic approach is based on the idea that people have an innate connection with the natural world, and spending time outdoors helps restore balance and reduce the stresses of modern life.
Research by the National Institute of Health supports eco-therapy’s positive impact, showing that regular interaction with nature can reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and enhance mood.
Eco-therapy offers a range of approaches that allow individuals to connect with nature in meaningful ways. Below are three common methods:
1. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
This practice, originating in Japan, involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, engaging all the senses with nature. Participants slowly walk through the forest, focusing on the textures, sounds, and smells of their surroundings. Forest bathing encourages mindfulness, lowers cortisol levels, and promotes mental clarity, making it an effective tool for managing stress.
2. Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural therapy uses gardening as a therapeutic activity to improve well-being. Individuals engage in planting, cultivating, and caring for plants. This hands-on connection with the earth fosters patience, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. Gardening is particularly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety or trauma, as it helps individuals develop a sense of routine and personal growth alongside the plants they nurture.
3. Eco-therapy Walks and Animal-Assisted Activities
Eco-therapy walks are guided group sessions that take place in natural landscapes such as parks, beaches, or forests. The act of walking, combined with mindful awareness of the environment, provides both physical and emotional benefits. Animal-assisted eco-therapy involves interacting with animals in nature, such as walking dogs or spending time with farm animals, which can reduce loneliness and foster positive emotions.
Eco-therapy reminds us that by connecting with the rhythms of nature, we can achieve greater balance and peace. Whether through outdoor meditation, gardening, or simply enjoying a walk among trees, eco-therapy invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the healing presence of the natural world.
In these moments, we reconnect with the simplicity and serenity that nature offers—a gift that is both timeless and transformative.
Comments