In the hustle and bustle of life, it's all too easy to become overwhelmed and stressed by the relentless demands of daily responsibilities. We are bombarded with news, social media, technology notifications, pressures of work, social obligations and more, and many of us may find ourselves yearning for a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the constant chaos. Many may think there's no time, but there is a free medicine available to all since the beginning of time: Nature. No eye rolls please.
The Healing Power of Nature:
There's something undeniably magical about the great outdoors, a mysterious alchemy that soothes the soul and rejuvenates the spirit. Whether it's the gentle rustle of leaves, the unique formation of clouds, the dance of sunlight filtering through leaves, or the symphony of birds chirping echoing through the air, nature has a way of captivating our senses and transporting us to a state of profound calmness and clarity.
Research confirms what poets and philosophers have known for centuries: nature has the power to heal. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can significantly reduce stress levels, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. This phenomenon, known as ecotherapy, harnesses the therapeutic benefits of nature to promote mental and emotional health. How cool is that?
So what is Ecotherapy exactly?
At its core, ecotherapy is a form of therapy that recognizes the inherent connection between humans and the natural world. By immersing ourselves in natural settings and engaging in activities such as hiking, gardening, or simply sitting quietly in nature, we can tap into a profound sense of peace and restoration.
There are many approaches to ecotherapy, each with its own unique emphasis and methodology. Wilderness therapy, for example, involves immersive outdoor experiences aimed at fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Horticulture therapy utilizes gardening and plant-based activities to promote healing and rehabilitation. Animal-assisted therapy incorporates interactions with animals as a means of improving mental and emotional well-being and fostering connections.
Benefits of Outdoor Wellness:
The benefits of outdoor wellness extend far beyond just relaxing. Engaging in outdoor activities not only nourishes the body and soul but also stimulates the mind and fosters a sense of connection to the world around us. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can enhance cognitive function, boost creativity, and improve mood and self-esteem.
Moreover, outdoor wellness encourages us to unplug from the constant distractions of modern life (especially technology) and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the earth. Whether we're hiking through a forest, tending to a garden, or simply basking in the beauty of a sunset, being in nature reminds us of our place in the world and the simple joys of being alive.
The transformative power of ecotherapy is best illustrated by the countless individuals who have experienced its benefits firsthand. From veterans struggling with PTSD to children with autism spectrum disorders, people from all walks of life have found solace and healing in the embrace of nature. Ecotherapy is also believed to provide assistance to individuals struggling with challenges such as maintaining sobriety.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Nature into Daily Life:
Incorporating nature into your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are a few simple ways to implement nature into your life and reap the benefits of outdoor wellness:
- Take a daily nature walk: Even a short stroll through a nearby park or green space can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. In fact a brisk walk in the morning or night can be the perfect way to start/end your day.
- Eat meals outside whenever possible, whether it’s breakfast on your frontporch / backyard or a picnic in the park, find some shade, sit down, enjoy your meal. Enjoy the sites and people watching and the nature around you.
- Start a garden: Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a few pots on a windowsill, gardening is a rewarding way to connect with nature and nurture new life. If maintaining a garden isn’t your jam, may start small by “bringing nature indoors” by simply adding a few houseplants to your living and working spaces.
- Practice outdoor mindfulness: Find a quiet spot in nature where you can sit or lie down comfortably and simply observe your surroundings. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment. Practice mindfulness in nature by simply sitting and observing your surroundings.
- Take the Scenic route every once in a while, no matter your form of transportation, driving, bicycling, on foot. Appreciate your new surroundings, nature’s beauty.
- Get creative with outdoor hobbies like painting landscapes or finding natural materials to craft with. Challenge yourself with nature and landscape photography.
- Set aside time each month for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, skating, jogging, etc. That's only 12 times a year, you can do that.
- Prioritize outdoor family time by planning nature-focused outings or games. Can’t think of any? There’s several DIY crafts you can do with children and games even. But here are some more advanced suggestions, cornhole, pickleball, croquet, golf or mini golf, hikes, the possibilities here are endless and dependent on your surroundings as well.
- Volunteer for community clean-up or conservation efforts to give back to both the community and environment. You don’t have to sign up or join a group if that doesn’t sound like something you want to explore, but you can still implement that on your own. I used to pick up a piece of trash a day, it was a small contribution but nonetheless a daily contribution. And if a daily practice doesn’t sound like a focus you’re particularly interested in, maybe set up a clean up day with your family. Go to some parks or the beach with gloves, trash pickers, and bags.
-If you work at a desk job, or anywhere really, make sure to take time to schedule outdoor breaks during the workday to recharge and reconnect with nature. And to give your eyes a break!
Even if you live in the city, just get outside and walk. Walking is a great form of exercise alone.
When I was a manager at a retail store, I would make different types of smoothies or protein shakes, and drink those as I walked circles around the entire shopping center. I would take that time to get my exercise, have my ‘meal’ and get my energy and calories needed, and I would also take that time to make my phone calls, calls to friends, family, or important matters like to pay bills or whatever the case may be. I used a short 30-40 minutes to ensure I took care of all of those things.
Just a lil’ recap: during my lunch breaks, I would “eat”, get my exercise, and make meaningful and important connections while taking care of business over the phone.
There is no excuse for not having enough time. You do what you can with the time you have. 24 hours each and every day. If you have to multitask, you multitask.
While it's true that our schedules may be packed with commitments and obligations, it's also true that we have more control over our time than we often realize.
When we say we don't have enough time to spend in nature, what we're really saying is that we haven't made it a priority. We prioritize what matters to us, whether it's scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or attending to work emails. But what if we shifted our mindset and made nature a non-negotiable part of our daily routine?
The truth is, incorporating nature into our lives doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. It can be as simple as taking a short walk during our lunch break, enjoying our morning coffee on the porch, or stargazing before bed. These small moments of connection with the natural world can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
Moreover, research suggests that spending time in nature can actually boost our productivity and creativity, making us more efficient and effective in our daily tasks. By prioritizing nature, we're not only investing in our own health and happiness but also enhancing our ability to show up fully in all areas of our lives.
This obviously is applicable to other priorities in life like health, working out, etc.
So the next time you catch yourself using the "not enough time" excuse, pause and reconsider. Are you truly lacking in time, or are you simply prioritizing other things over your well-being? Remember, we all have the same 24 hours in a day—it's how we choose to use them that makes all the difference.
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, nature offers a sanctuary of peace and healing. By embracing ecotherapy and outdoor wellness, we can tap into the restorative power of the natural world and cultivate greater mental and emotional well-being. So why not take a step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and let nature work its magic?