Ecotherapy: Therapy Rooted in Nature

Shortly after the end of the Ice Age some 10,000 years ago, at least 57% of the worlds habitable land was covered in forests, it was here our ancient ancestors lived. It would have been as common for our ancestors to live as part of that living landscape as it is for so many of us today, who live in cities and towns.

When it comes to nature perhaps there is comfort for most humans in places like forests, our ancestral home.  The human psyche seems to recognise at an inherent level the natual habitat. Perhaps you have noticed it yourself, as long as you feel safe, nature is an antidote for stress: there is a familiarity in the smell of the forest, the cool shade on a warm summer day that invites you in, the sheer greeness of the forest which we see as restful and of course we often try to emulate natures natural colours in our interiors. 

Sadly today we spend 90% of our time inside, disconnected from nature.  In turn this has had a huge impact on our mental health. Research suggests an increase in ADHD, anxiety and depression as well as physical conditions like diabetes and obseity; particularly among the young.

In 2016, a survery instigated by Mind and the University of Essex found many restorative benefits like a reduction in stress, depression and anxiety and there were also measurable physical benefits too when taking part in activities based outside in nature. 

Nature serves as a welcome reprieve from the seemingly endless demands and constant stimuli of modern life. In the University of Essex study It was found things like the heart rate began to improve and blood pressure normalised, healing is promoted too.  There was a noticable release of tension in the muscles and a decrease in the level of stress hormones which can be very damaging to the body, all showed a marked reduction, spending time outside alters our biology, measurably subduing our fight-or-flight stress response.  So nature is not only very beautiful but also very good for us too. 

And how long does it take to obtain benefits in physical health and cognitive functioning from being in nature? Just 120 minutes a week!  Two hours is surely a realistic target for many people, especially given that the time outdoors can be spread over an entire week.   There is a good case for connecting with nature and in doing so to extend both the quantity and quality of life.

Certainly in the case of shared horticultural  spaces like allotments it has been noted that benefits include a sense of community, belonging, a shared purpose, and reduced isolation, and any gardening forum will prove that there seems to be a sense of shared community and good-will among gardeners.   During the lockdowns many people found themselves furloughed and with more time on their hands, many chose walking and spending time outside as a way to exercise and provide a distraction, this in turn allowed a reconnection to the natual environment, it will be a great shame now if those befefits are lost as people return to spending more time inside. On the basis of the research we now have access to, we know the natural environment is therapeutic, as a therapist I wish I could write a prescription for you all to take at least 2 hours a week!