With time, many different therapies have come up that help one feel calm and at peace. Other than the usual therapy where an expert sits with you throughout a session to help you deal with your mental health issues, there are now new ways to feel calm. The latest is ecotherapy.

What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is an umbrella term that refers to any nature-based activity that aims to improve your mental health. Several studies, including one done by Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, found that people who spend at least two hours a week in green spaces were more likely to report good health.

Benefits of Ecotherapy

Spending time with nature, taking walks or just simply walking over grass can help you feel better. These activities are said to be antidotes for stress. This is not just a claim, the results speak for themselves.

Spending time in nature helps lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. It also reduces your nervous system arousal and enhances your immune system function. Further, it also increases your self-esteem, reduces anxiety and improves mood.

Studies show that it can help with attention deficit disorder, lessen aggression and help reduce the feeling of isolation.

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Think of a getaway. Away from the city, into the jungles. Where the first thing you hear is not the car honking, but the birds chirping. The feeling itself will make you feel better. This is exactly what happens when you experience nature firsthand.

Ecotherapy in Different Parts of the World

Scandinavian countries have a tradition of ‘Forest Schools’, where the children are encouraged to learn in a natural setting. Whereas, in Japan, forest bathing is considered healthy. It is believed that aerosol from the forest that is inhaled during walks helps fight tumours or different infections.

In Israel, trees are used to treat trauma. There are several programmes designed such as ‘Nature Heals,’ that encourage the young ones to go on hikes through mountain ranges and participate in nature walks to deal with trauma.

What Can You Do?

Not everyone has the time to go on hikes. We all work around a very tight schedule, but we all deserve a little break. Try to take 30 minutes out for a walk around the park. You do not have to go anywhere far; it can just be a park near your house.

If you enjoy gardening, make sure you do that at least on your days off. Try to be in touch with nature as much as possible.