8 Ways Ecotherapy Has the Power to Revolutionize Your Well-Being

By Beth Rush

Humanity has created so many wonders, from skyscrapers to smartphones and so much more. It’s impressive to marvel at all these innovations, as they are proof of intelligence and growth. However, they often create restrictive walls from people’s roots. Sometimes, you just need to pause, spend time outdoors, and bask in the benefits of ecotherapy.

What Is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is the process of going into nature for healing. About 96% of U.S. adults spend time outdoors daily, averaging only 30 minutes to an hour. The rest of the day is spent within enclosed spaces. The indoors are comforting, but exploring the outdoors is necessary to improve one’s well-being.

Ecotherapy is a formal recovery program where you go into a nature-based environment under the care and supervision of medical specialists. The term also encompasses other nature-based activities you can do alone. Here are a couple of examples:

• Walking: Stretch your legs and explore the natural ecosystem around you. Whether at the park, a mountain trail, or the boardwalk, drinking in your surroundings is a nice break from daily life. 
• Farming or gardening: Farming or gardening can be quite therapeutic. You work closely with the soil and cultivate fruits and vegetables. Growing flowers and shrubbery can also be visually rewarding. 
• Animals: Pets provide a sense of unique companionship where they’re just happy to be around you. You can also go to a farm with the mission of petting and feeding as many animals as you’d like. 
• Adventure: Ecotherapy can also involve thrilling activities like hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Lake swimming, surfing, and rafting are also good ways to connect with nature’s more aquatic side. 

Benefits of Ecotherapy

The benefits of ecotherapy go beyond having fun in nature. Immersing yourself in the outdoors can improve your mental health and well-being. 

1. Heal Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can negatively impact your mood and energy levels throughout life. A study finds that people who connect with nature have less anxiety and depression than those who visit green spaces less. 

You can use the great outdoors to distract yourself from nervousness or dread. Some people may also use ecotherapy as a preventive measure to regulate their mood. Engage in your favorite activities and find joy in nature. 

2. Assist in Addiction Recovery

Ecotherapy is also a good tool during addiction recovery. The fear of relapsing comes with so much distress. However, nature therapy can help you manage your stress without turning to substances. Create healthy coping mechanisms while in green spaces.

Ecotherapy can also help improve your self-esteem. People in their addiction recovery journey can learn new skills like foraging or wood sculpting. These accomplishments lead to newfound confidence and happiness without substances. 

3. Lessen Social Media Exposure

Social media is an excellent tool to connect with your loved ones. However, there are times when it becomes unhealthy. About 46% of American teenagers have experienced at least one form of cyberbullying, including name-calling and false rumors. 

These online networks also encourage comparison culture and doomscrolling tendencies.  Limit screen time by going offline and into the woods. Ecotherapy can keep you busy and give you a great mental reset. 

4. Process Your Trauma

Ecotherapy is a chance for reflection. Some people undergo traumatic experiences, and going out into the wilderness can provide a fresh space to process events. It’s a great way to find peace.

You can also try different outdoor activities to distract you from your feelings. One study finds that these endeavors significantly reduce PTSD symptoms like intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbance, and more. 

5. Engage in Sustainable Relaxation

Life can be noisy and hectic, whether at work or home. Most people unwind by treating themselves to new clothes or buying another gadget. Consumerism can bring temporary happiness, but its environmental impact is permanent. 

Ecotherapy is a sustainable way to relax from these stressors. Relish in the peace and quiet of the woods, enjoy solitude while fishing at a lake, or picnic in the park. 

6. Experience Sensory Stimulation

Nature is a sensory experience, allowing you to view abundant plants and trees. Green is considered refreshing and calm in color psychology. Mix it with the smell of wood, rain, and earth. There’s also the sound of rustling leaves or waves crashing. Your surroundings are engaging, and taking a moment to appreciate that is good for healing. 

7. Improve Perspective

One of the best things about ecotherapy is how it shifts your outlook on life. The world is so vast. You see animals finding food and going about their lives. The sun still rises and falls no matter what occurs throughout the day. 

Nature can make your problems feel smaller. Meditate on your feelings and consider the root of negative emotions. Come to terms with and extend more compassion to yourself. You are trying your best, and that’s enough. 

8. Find Positive Transformation

Ecotherapy can positively influence your attitude and behavior, even as you return indoors. Go into nature and recharge yourself. Interact with the world around you with optimism. When you need a break, you can always return to green spaces that are especially healing. 

Engage in Ecotherapy

Ecotherapy is a great way to tap into the natural environment around you and raise your quality of life. Dedicate time to regularly visiting green spaces and trying new activities. Stay calm and collected while in nature to make the most of your time immersed in the outdoors.

About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!