What is Green Therapy and How Can It Benefit You?
A higher percentage of the population reports increased stress and mental health challenges year over year. As a result, many people are turning to natural and holistic approaches for relief. One such approach is Green Therapy, also known as Ecotherapy or Nature Therapy. But what exactly is Green Therapy, and how can it benefit you? This article delves into the principles of Green Therapy, its various forms, and the numerous ways it can enhance your mental and physical well-being.
Understanding Green Therapy
Green Therapy encompasses a range of therapeutic practices that involve direct interaction with nature and natural objects. At its core, it is about harnessing the healing power of the natural environment to promote mental and physical health. This can include activities like gardening, spending time in green spaces, or even just having plants or natural materials in your living or work space.
The Principles Behind Green Therapy
The concept of Green Therapy is built on several key principles:
Connection with Nature: Regular interaction with the natural world is essential for mental well-being.
Mindfulness: Engaging with nature encourages a mindful state, helping individuals focus on the present moment.
Physical Activity: Many forms of Green Therapy involve intentional movement, which is beneficial for overall health.
Sensory Engagement: Nature stimulates our senses, providing a rich and calming experience.
Different Forms of Green Therapy
Green Therapy can take many forms, each offering unique benefits. Some of the most common include:
Horticultural Therapy
This involves gardening activities and is often used in therapeutic settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Horticultural Therapy can improve mood, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Originating in Japan, Forest Bathing is the practice of immersing oneself in the forest environment. It is not about hiking or exercising but rather about being present and mindfully experiencing the forest through all your senses.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Incorporating animals into therapy can provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Activities can range from spending time with pets to more structured animal-assisted interventions.
Nature Walks and Outdoor Activities
Simply spending time walking in parks, forests, or along the beach can have profound effects on mental health. These activities combine physical exercise with the calming influence of nature.
The Science Behind Green Therapy
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of Green Therapy. Research shows that spending time in nature can:
Reduce Stress: Nature has a calming effect on the mind, lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that even a brief exposure to natural environments can significantly decrease cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress and promote relaxation .
Improve Mood: Exposure to green spaces is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. Research in The Journal of Positive Psychology indicates that regular engagement with nature, such as visiting parks or engaging in gardening, can enhance mood and reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety .
Enhance Cognitive Function: Time spent in nature can improve focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. A study from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrated that participants who walked in natural environments showed improved working memory and cognitive flexibility compared to those who walked in urban settings .
Boost Physical Health: Engaging in outdoor activities promotes physical fitness and overall health. According to research published in Environmental Science & Technology, physical activity in natural settings not only improves fitness but also has a positive impact on mental health, enhancing feelings of well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases .
How Green Therapy Can Benefit You
Incorporating Green Therapy into your life can offer countless of benefits. Typically, when individuals find Green Therapy they are seeking to solve an issue they have already developed but upon leaning more about it, they will find the practice addresses much more than they were originally intending.
Mental Health Benefits
Reduced Anxiety and Depression: The tranquil and restorative qualities of nature help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being: Nature exposure promotes feelings of happiness and contentment.
Increased Resilience: Regular interaction with nature can enhance emotional resilience and stress coping abilities.
Physical Health Benefits
Enhanced Physical Fitness: Activities like gardening and nature walks encourage regular physical exercise.
Better Sleep: The calming effects of nature can improve sleep quality.
Lower Blood Pressure: Regular engagement with nature can contribute to reduced blood pressure levels.
Social Benefits
Strengthened Relationships: Group activities in nature can foster social connections and improve relationships.
Community Engagement: Participating in community gardens or environmental groups can enhance a sense of community and belonging.
How to Incorporate Green Therapy into Your Life
Integrating Green Therapy into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some simple ways to start:
Spend Time in Green Spaces: Make it a habit to visit parks or natural areas regularly.
Start a Garden: Whether it’s a small windowsill garden inside or a larger outdoor space, gardening can be therapeutic.
Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate plants into your home or workspace.
Decorate with Natural Materials and Images: Incorporate organic textures like wicker and stone into your home and decorate with landscape artwork and flowers.
Practice Mindfulness in Nature: Take mindful walks or simply sit and observe the natural world around you.
Green Therapy offers an accessible way to enhance your mental and physical well-being. By connecting with nature, you will experience reduced stress, improved mood, and a host of other health benefits. Whether through gardening, forest bathing, decor, or simply spending more time outdoors, embracing the healing power of nature can transform your life.
As you consider integrating Green Therapy into your routine, remember that even small steps can make a significant difference. Start today, and discover the profound benefits that nature has to offer.
Sources
Canadian Psychological Association (2024) "“Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Benefits of Nature Exposure", 15 April. Available at: https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-benefits-of-nature-exposure (Accessed 7 June 2024)
Burke, J., Clarke, D., O’Keeffe, J., & Meehan, T. (2023). The Impact of Blue and Green Spaces on Wellbeing: A Review of Reviews through a Positive Psychology Lens . Journal of Happiness and Health, 3(2), 93–108. https://doi.org/10.47602/johah.v3i2.48 (Accessed 7 June 2024)
Berman, Marc & Jonides, John & Kaplan, Stephen. (2009). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature. Psychological science. 19. 1207-12. 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23718837_The_Cognitive_Benefits_of_Interacting_With_Nature (Accessed 7 June 2024)
Coon, T. ., Body, K. ., Stein, K. ., Whear, R. ., Barton, J. ., & Depledge, M. H. (2011). Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Environmental Science & Technology, 45, 1761-1772. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es102947t (Accessed 7 June 2024)
