Eco-therapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between individuals and the natural world to promote mental and physical well-being. The roots of eco-therapy can be traced back to ancient cultures that recognized the healing power of nature. However, the formalization of eco-therapy as a therapeutic practice began in the late 20th century, with a growing awareness of the negative impact of modern urban lifestyles on mental health.

There are various ways that we can help you incorporate eco-therapy into your life. One common method in eco-therapy is horticulture therapy, which involves activities like gardening to improve mental health. Spending time in natural settings, such as forests, parks, or waterfronts, is another fundamental aspect of eco-therapy. Activities like hiking, bird watching, or simply sitting quietly in a natural environment can have profound positive effects on mental health.

Eco-therapy recognizes the reciprocal relationship between human well-being and the health of the environment. By fostering a deeper connection with nature, individuals often experience reduced stress, improved mood, and increased overall mental resilience. Physically, exposure to nature has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and increased energy levels.

As our lives become increasingly urbanized and digitally focused, eco-therapy serves as a valuable reminder of the essential connection between humans and nature, offering a holistic approach to well-being that considers both mental and physical health.

Here are some benefits of incorporating Eco-Therapy into your treatment:

1. Stress Reduction:
   • Research suggests that exposure to natural environments can lead to a reduction in cortisol levels, indicating a decrease in stress. (Ulrich et al., 1991, “Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments.”)
   • Park and forest settings have been associated with lower perceived stress and increased well-being compared to urban environments. (Hartig et al., 2014, “Nature and health.”)
2. Improved Mental Health:
   • Studies have shown that interactions with nature can improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase overall psychological well-being. (Berman et al., 2012, “The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature.”)
   • Exposure to green spaces has been linked to a lower risk of psychiatric disorders. (Gascon et al., 2015, “Mental health benefits of long-term exposure to residential green and blue spaces: A systematic review.”)
3. Physical Health Benefits:
   • Spending time in nature has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure and heart rate. (Hartig et al., 2003, “Tracking restoration in natural and urban field settings.”)
   • Nature-based activities like gardening have been linked to improved physical health outcomes, including increased physical activity and better overall health. (Soga et al., 2017, “Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis.”)
4. Attention Restoration:
   • Attention restoration theory suggests that exposure to nature can replenish cognitive resources and improve attention and focus. (Kaplan, 1995, “The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework.”)
5. Social Connection:
   • Participating in nature-based group activities or community gardening can foster a sense of social connectedness and community. (Maller et al., 2006, “Healthy nature healthy people: ‘Contact with nature’ as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations.”)