9 Types of Eco-Therapy – Find Your Favorite Way To Heal With Nature

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Hey there, nature lovers! As someone who’s been through some tough mental health battles, I can attest to the healing power of Mother Nature, aka “eco-therapy.”

And that’s exactly what eco-therapy is all about — using our glorious green spaces to nurture our minds, bodies, and souls.

With the SALT Foundation’s Salt March in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore the wonderful world of eco-therapy (one of the causes the Salt March supports) and discover which activities speak to your soul.

So, let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Eco-therapy is all about embracing nature to heal from mental health challenges like isolation, trauma, and poverty.

• There are various eco-therapy activities to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences.

• Engaging with nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.

#1) The Roots of Eco-Therapy: Mental Health Healing in the Natural Environment

Eco-therapy is rooted in the theory that your health is directly affected by your surroundings, and wilderness therapy uses physical interaction with nature as a tool for healing.

Now, that’s a philosophy we can get behind!

Mental Health Benefits of Eco-Therapy

Eco-therapy, the practice of engaging with nature for therapeutic purposes, has been gaining recognition as a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being.

By immersing ourselves in the great outdoors, we tap into a profound connection that can yield remarkable benefits for our emotional and psychological health and wellbeing.

One of the primary advantages of eco-therapy is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.

Spending time in nature has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, while increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosters.

The sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world have a calming effect on the mind, allowing us to escape the daily grind and find a sense of tranquility.

Eco-therapy can also alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mood.

Exposure to natural environments has been linked to increased feelings of happiness, vitality, focus, and overall life satisfaction.

The beauty and serenity of nature can provide a much-needed respite from the negative thought patterns and emotional turmoil that often accompany depression.

Furthermore, eco-therapy can foster a deeper sense of connection and belonging.

By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we are reminded of our place within the earth and the larger web of life, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and purpose.

This can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with feelings of isolation or disconnection — one of the big contributors to poor mental health.

Engaging in eco-therapy activities, such as hiking, gardening, or simply spending time in a park or forest, can also have physical benefits that contribute to improved mental health.

Exercise in natural settings has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost overall physical fitness, for example, all of which can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

In addition to these tangible benefits, eco-therapy can cultivate a greater appreciation for the natural world and a sense of responsibility towards its preservation.

This connection can instill a sense of purpose and meaning, further enhancing our overall sense of well-being.

As our understanding and awareness of the profound impact of nature on mental health continues to grow, eco-therapy offers a powerful and accessible tool for promoting healing and resilience.

By reconnecting with the great outdoors, we open ourselves up to a world of therapeutic benefits that can profoundly enhance our emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

#2) Start an informal trash pickup

Grab some gloves, a trash bag, and a friend (or two), and hit your local park or nature trail for a litter-picking adventure. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you’ll also get some fresh air and exercise while bonding with your buddies. Win-win-win!

#3) Green Exercise in the Natural World

Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or good ol’ fashioned frisbee throwing, any form of physical activity done outdoors counts as green exercise.

And let’s be real, sweating it out amidst towering trees and chirping birds beats a stuffy gym any day.

#4) Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing

No, this doesn’t involve actual bathing (unless that’s your thing, in which case, you do you!).

Forest bathing is all about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest through mindful observation and presence.

It’s like a spa day for your senses, minus the overpriced cucumber water.

#5) Nature Arts and Crafts

Unleash your inner Picasso by using natural materials like leaves, twigs, and stones to create beautiful works of art.

Not only is it therapeutic, but you’ll also have a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to proudly display in your home (or gift to that hard-to-shop-for relative). Or sell to raise funds to donate to the Salt March’s mental health causes.

#6) Take your regular activities outside

Why limit yourself to indoor hobbies when you can soak up some vitamin D at the same time?

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy your favourite book, puzzle, or knitting project amidst the beauty of nature.

#7) Gardening

There’s something incredibly satisfying about getting your hands dirty and nurturing life from the ground up.

Whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard or a tiny window box, gardening can be an incredibly therapeutic and rewarding eco-therapy activity.

And while you’re at, why not grow your own fruits, herbs, and vegetables? Eating homegrown wholefoods has its own range of beneficial effects.

#8) Camping

Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life by pitching a tent and embracing the great outdoors.

Roast some marshmallows, stargaze, and let the calming sounds of nature lull you into a state of pure relaxation.

#9) Animal-Assisted Therapy

Spending time with our furry (or feathery, or scaly) friends can work wonders for our mental and physical health.

Whether it’s taking a therapy dog for a walk or simply observing wildlife in their natural habitats, interacting with animals can reduce stress and promote feelings of joy and connectedness.

Summary

Ecotherapy is a wonderful way to connect with nature and promote healing from mental health challenges like isolation, trauma, and poverty.

By engaging in activities like green exercise, forest bathing, nature arts and crafts, and animal-assisted therapy, you can reduce stress, improve your mood, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.

So, there you have it, folks!

A world of ecotherapy activities awaits, each one offering its own adventure therapy — a unique path to healing and reconnection.

Whether you prefer getting your hands dirty or simply basking in nature’s beauty, there’s something out there for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots (and some friends and join the Salt March), your sketchpad, or just your sense of adventure, and let the great outdoors work its magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daniel G. Taylor

Daniel G. Taylor has been writing about the NDIS for three years. His focus has been on mental health and psychosocial disabilities as he lives with bipolar disorder I. He’s been a freelance writer for 30 years and lives across the road from the beach in Adelaide. He’s the author of How to Master Bipolar Disorder for Life and a contributor to Mastering Bipolar Disorder (Allen & Unwin) and he’s a mental health speaker.