HOW NATURE THERAPY CAN IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH​

Remember when you were a kid and how good it felt to walk barefoot on the grass? Or in the sand? Do you remember the magic of watching the clouds and then seeing if you could see objects in the cloud shapes? Do you remember the feel of the sun on your skin? Being outside and in nature heals. We feel it and know it instinctively. And yet, with our busy lives many of us find it challenging to spend time in nature, soaking up its many benefits. Mental health care is recognizing more than ever the role that Nature Therapy plays in healing our minds and bodies. Here, I will explore the mental health benefits of Nature Therapy and how anyone can incorporate it into their lives.

 

 

What is nature therapy and how does it work?

Nature therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves meaningful exposure to nature environments. This can include activities like forest bathing (walking in forests), gardening, animal-assisted therapy, or simply spending time in green or blue spaces (parks, lakes). The idea is that by connecting with nature, people experience mental restoration and healing, as nature helps reduce stress, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. Numerous studies back the positive impact of nature on mental health. Nature Therapy can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-esteem, and improve focus and cognitive function (1). Exposure to nature environments also promotes happiness and well-being. Just 20-30 minutes spent in a natural setting can significantly improve mood, decrease cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and enhance feelings of peace and relaxation (1). Blue spaces, such as lakes and rivers, are also shown to have calming effects (2). Incorporating nature therapy doesn’t require extreme adventures—small steps can make a big difference. You can start with simple activities like short walks in the park, along the Boise Greenbelt, or listening to nature sounds. Group activities like outdoor yoga or hiking with friends can also foster social connection and increase motivation. 

 

Nature Therapy is particularly effective for those living with anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Research has shown that people with high stress levels experience significant mental relief from even brief exposure to nature. Additionally, those with cognitive impairments or attention deficit disorders often show improved focus and cognitive flexibility after engaging with nature (3). Nature therapy works well alongside traditional mental health treatments. While it shouldn’t replace conventional therapy or medication for the treatment of mental health disorders, it serves as an excellent complement, offering additional tools to enhance overall well-being (3). For instance, combining nature-based therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can create a more holistic and balanced approach to mental health care.

 

If you are interested in joining a nature-based self-love group for women, please reach out to learn more about this weekly group that meets on Thursday mornings. Additionally, I offer nature therapy activities and events throughout the year such as kayaking, white water rafting, and hiking. Please reach out for more information or find it in the events tab.

 

 

1. Verywell Mind. (2023). How nature therapy helps your mental health.

Verywell Mind.

2. Choosing Therapy. (2023). 10 benefits of nature on mental health.

Choosing Therapy.

3. Nature Wellness Academy. (2019). What is nature therapy? 10 examples

of nature therapy approaches. Nature Wellness Academy