Ecotherapy: An Introduction

You may be scratching your head trying to understand what is ecotherapy and how is it going to help you. Keep in mind that ecotherapy may not be something you’ve heard about, but it may be something that works for you! While I’m still in the research phases of this fantastic therapy myself I do believe this could be life changing.

Improving your mental and physical health through nature

Let’s face it, being inside all day, stuck on a screen can literally suck the life out of you. Perhaps being outside is what you need to help your physical and mental wellbeing. Engaging in activities outside can actually improve the way you feel inside.

Activities that focus on being outside

While engaging in ecotherapy, you may be wondering what activities work. Well, getting out in the daylight and seeing success is nothing new. Being more intentional about the activities is important. Some popular ecotherapy activities include working in nature and just being outside and enjoying nature.

• Taking a walk and breathing in the fresh air.
• Working in a garden.
• Working on a project that helps to conserve the earth’s resources.
• Taking a bike ride.

Ecotherapy: Professional and on your own

Something unique about ecotherapy is that you can choose to do this on your own. You can hire a professional, which allows for more structured sessions and different results. Being outside and doing activities outside is good for your mind and soul. Here are some of the different types of ecotherapy available.

• Wilderness therapy – being out in the wild doing activities like hiking.
• Arts & Crafts in nature – finding a place in nature to build or create.
• Adventure therapy – going on adventures outside, maybe rock climbing or cave climbing. Usually something a lot more strenuous than just walking.

If you think being outdoors could help your physical or mental state, then try ecotherapy. While ecotherapy is still being researched, just know that it could work for you. All it takes is stepping outside to get started. Have you heard of ecotherapy? What do you think about ecotherapy?