Time Spent Outdoors Can Benefit All

While nearly everyone can benefit from therapy, not every form of therapy benefits everyone. For some, talk therapy is undeniably helpful and yields obvious results, but more active treatment forms are needed for others. 

Enter nature-based therapy. Also known as adventure-based therapy, this kind of therapy involves getting outdoors and enhances the therapeutic experience through the natural environment. 

What is nature-based therapy?

Nature-based therapy is a relatively new approach that emphasizes the healing power of nature in our psychological and physical well-being. This form of therapy is grounded in the belief that humans have an intrinsic connection to the natural world and that fostering this connection can lead to improved mental health. 

Nature-based therapy encompasses a range of techniques, from structured therapeutic interventions to informal interactions with the natural environment.

At its core, nature-based therapy seeks the restorative qualities of nature to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting a sense of peace and well-being. This approach can take many forms, including wilderness therapy, horticultural therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and green exercise. Each of these modalities uses different aspects of nature to engage you in activities that foster healing and personal growth.

One of the critical principles of nature-based therapy is the idea that we have an innate love and appreciation for the natural world. This gives weight to nature’s therapeutic potential by highlighting how natural environments can fulfill our needs for connection, beauty and tranquility. Nature-based therapy uses these elements to create a supportive and nurturing environment for healing.

Research has increasingly supported the use of nature-based therapy for alleviating symptoms of various mental health conditions. For instance, spending time in natural settings has been shown to lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and enhance mood. Moreover, nature-based therapy can promote physical activity; plus, the way nature influences our senses—e.g., the ocean or the mountains—can all offer unique therapeutic benefits.

In practice, nature-based therapy can be uniquely personalized. Wilderness therapy programs, for example, often involve immersing oneself in a natural setting (think camping) and are designed to foster resilience, self-confidence, and teamwork through outdoor activities. Horticultural therapy uses activities like gardening to offer opportunities for nurturing, creativity, and mindfulness—all of which benefit mental health.

Additionally, animal-assisted therapy involves interacting with animals to promote emotional and psychological healing. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience difficulty in traditional therapeutic settings since therapy animals offer unconditional acceptance and comfort.

What are the benefits of nature-based therapy?

For those who have struggled to see success in the traditional methods of therapy, nature-based therapy offers a new and different yet effective method of seeking mental wellness that benefits participants in more ways than one. 

1. Reducing stress — Immersion in natural environments has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Whether a walk by the beach or time spent in a garden, nature provides a calming environment for alleviating stress and promoting relaxation.

2. Improved mental health — Regular exposure to nature and sunlight can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. The serene and peaceful aspect of natural settings can uplift mood and provide a sense of tranquility.

3. Enhanced cognitive function—Nature-based therapy can improve attention, memory, and creativity. Being outside, with its restorative nature, helps to refocus the mind, providing a break from the constant stimuli of urban life and digital devices.

4. Improved physical health—Activities like hiking, gardening, or cycling in nature promote physical health by increasing physical fitness, aiding in weight management, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

5. Better emotional resilience—Being in nature can enhance emotional resilience by fostering a sense of connectedness and self-reflection. It encourages individuals to develop coping strategies, teaches problem-solving, and enhances the ability to deal with life’s challenges.

6. Boosted creativity—Nature provides a rich source of inspiration and can stimulate creative thinking. The diverse landscapes and sometimes unpredictable outdoor weather encourage on-your-feet thinking, which is crucial for problem-solving and innovation.

7. Deeper relationships — Nature-based therapy often involves group activities that can strengthen one’s ability to develop relationships with others. Whether through community gardening or group hikes, these activities foster a sense of community and improve social well-being.

8. Increased mindfulness—Nature encourages mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment. The sensory experiences nature offers, such as birds’ sounds or leaves rustling, help individuals cultivate awareness and appreciation for the present.

9. A higher sense of self-esteem—Engaging with nature can boost self-esteem and confidence. Accomplishing tasks like reaching the summit of a hike or growing a plant from seed can provide a sense of achievement and enhance self-worth.

10. Connection to nature and environmental awareness — Nature-based therapy fosters a deeper connection to the natural world, leading to increased environmental awareness and a more substantial commitment to conservation efforts. By spending time in natural settings and developing an appreciation for the environment, individuals often become more conscious of their ecological footprint and motivated to engage in sustainable practices.

Looking for nature-based therapy programs?

If you think the benefits of nature-based therapy could help you on your journey toward mental wellness, contact Bluff Augusta by calling 844-242-0806 or filling out an online contact form today.