Picture this: you’re sitting in the middle of a forest, a meadow, the woods, or even just your back deck. The sun is warm, birds are doing their cheerful thing, and you feel…better. Not just “had my first coffee” better, but soul-level better. The kind of better that makes you realize, hey, maybe nature’s been onto something all along.
If that sounds a bit woo-woo, well, it’s actually science. You’ve just had a dose of nature therapy—what the pros call ecotherapy. And surprise, surprise, it’s kind of a big deal in the world of mental health.
What Is Ecotherapy?
At its simplest, ecotherapy is a fancy way of saying that spending time in nature can improve your mental health. Whether it’s a sprawling forest or a singing to a potted plant on your desk, nature connects us to something larger than ourselves. This practice has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a little slice of peace in our chaotic lives.
The cool thing? There’s no one-size-fits-all method here. Not into hiking? Fine. Prefer chilling on your back deck with a coffee in your bath robe? That counts, too. Nature therapy is more about finding your own way to connect with the natural world, whether that’s through walking barefoot in the grass or…you know, hugging a tree.
Types of Ecotherapy
Now, there are a few different flavors of ecotherapy, depending on your vibe. Let’s dig into some of the options:
1. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Okay, full disclosure: when I first heard about forest bathing, I was imagining myself in a chic black swimsuit standing under a waterfall, maybe with some cinematic music playing in the background. But, turns out, no bathing suit is required. In fact, there’s no actual bathing involved unless you happen to find a really clear, safe waterfall—then, by all means, go for it.
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves soaking up the atmosphere of the forest. It’s as simple as walking slowly, breathing deeply, and noticing your surroundings. No phones, no stress, just you and the trees. Studies show that forest bathing can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and even help boost your immune system. Not bad for a glorified walk in the woods, right?
2. Horticultural Therapy
If the idea of getting your hands dirty makes you smile, horticultural therapy might be your jam. Tending to plants has been proven to reduce anxiety, promote mindfulness, and even help with depression. You plant something, nurture it, and in return, it reminds you that not everything in life needs to be complicated. Sometimes you just need a bit of water, sunlight, and time to grow—whether you’re a person or a tomato plant. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smug satisfaction of eating something you grew yourself.
3. Wilderness Therapy
For the more adventurous, wilderness therapy combines mental health treatment with outdoor adventures. It’s often used in structured programs, where participants face the literal and metaphorical challenges of the wilderness—think camping, hiking, and maybe wrestling with some internal demons (and hopefully not actual bears). It’s like bootcamp for your brain, and the goal is to build resilience, foster emotional growth, and reconnect with the raw beauty of the natural world. (Disclaimer: NOT the forced wilderness therapy. Wilderness therapy on your own free decision. Traumatized Netflix documentaries aside).
4. Animal-Assisted Ecotherapy
If hanging with plants doesn’t quite do it for you, how about animals? Equine therapy, for example, uses horses to help people work through emotional or psychological challenges. But it’s not limited to horses—dogs, cats, and even dolphins (if you live near an ocean) have been used in ecotherapy practices. The idea here is that animals help us connect to the world in a way that feels safer and more grounded. No judgment from your dog about how many times you’ve watched Schitt’s Creek this week. Just pure, furry love.
5. Green Exercise
You know that person who’s always like, “I don’t need a gym; I work out outside”? Yeah, they might be onto something. Green exercise is any physical activity done outdoors—running, yoga, paddleboarding, you name it. Doing the same exercise outside instead of in a gym has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression more effectively. And, let’s face it, the lighting is way better.
The Existentialist Take on Nature’s Magic
Here’s where things get deep (we’re talking Nietzsche-level deep). It’s not just about feeling good after some fresh air; it’s about experiencing awe. And in existentialist philosophy, awe plays a major role in helping us connect with the bigger picture. When you’re staring out at the vast ocean or standing beneath towering trees, you’re reminded of your smallness in the grand scheme of things—and that’s not a bad thing. It’s humbling, and it can make you feel a little less lost in the day-to-day grind.
Nietzsche, Thoreau, and other big thinkers weren’t just hanging out in nature for the Instagram likes. They believed that understanding and being in nature was key to understanding ourselves. For Nietzsche, nature represented the raw, unfiltered beauty of existence, and he encouraged people to embrace life’s absurdity with open arms. Thoreau famously retreated to the woods of Walden to get away from society’s chaos and reflect on life’s true meaning. Both saw nature as a reflection of our inner world—a place where we can find peace, but also face ourselves.
For Those Stuck in the Urban Jungle
Now, I get it. Not everyone lives within walking distance of a majestic forest or a peaceful beach. Maybe your “nature” consists of the tiny patch of grass outside your apartment or the lone plant on your desk that’s somehow still hanging on. But here’s the thing: nature is everywhere. Even in the busiest cities, you can find little pockets of it. And yes, they do count.
If you’re in a concrete jungle, here’s a challenge for you: Spend 10 minutes every day for the next 30 days communing with whatever nature you’ve got access to. It could be sitting in a park, walking a few blocks to find some greenery, or even just sitting on your fire escape with your eyes closed, feeling the breeze. Just 10 minutes a day. And here’s the kicker—I’ll be doing it, too. Let’s see how we feel after a month. I’ll post about it, and maybe you can share your experience, too.
Whether you’re forest bathing, hanging with a houseplant, or just letting the sun hit your face on a busy street corner, those moments matter. They remind us that there’s more to life than meetings, emails, and whatever Netflix binge we’re currently on.
Why Nature Therapy Works (Spoiler: Science Says So)
So, what’s going on in our brains when we hang out with nature? According to research, spending time outdoors reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), increases serotonin and dopamine (your feel-good chemicals), and can even boost your creativity. Nature helps us shift from a narrow, anxiety-driven focus to a wider, more relaxed mindset. It reminds us that the world is vast, and our problems? Maybe not so big after all.
And if you’re still on the fence, remember that some of the greatest minds in history were huge advocates for connecting with nature. Thoreau and Nietzsche weren’t wrong about the benefits of stepping away from society’s noise. The idea is to feel a part of something bigger, to experience awe, and to let that feeling carry you back to your everyday life with a new perspective.
Challenge Accepted? So here’s the deal. I challenge you to spend 10 minutes a day for 30 days somehow in nature. That could be sitting by a tree, walking through a park, or just staring out at the clouds. No pressure, no checklist—just 10 minutes to breathe and be. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find that nature isn’t just a place you visit, but a key part of the life you want to build.