Ecotherapy: Let's get back to Nature

How far out of touch with nature has our culture become? We are seeing more and more chronic illnesses and diseases that are stress-related. Could the lack of time spent outdoors be related? In one Google search, there is a strong correlation that, yes, we do not spend enough time outdoors, and therefore, our bodies are undergoing chronic stress syndromes that are related to disease. Research states that time in nature can lower stress, rebalance hormones, and even reduce cholesterol and other chronic conditions. 

Have you ever heard of ecotherapy? Spending time in nature therapy means time in nature can boost immunity, reduce stress, and combat chronic pain. "A serious revelation came upon author and journalist Richard Louv in 2005. He realized that many children of today's generation did not go outside to play and linked the inactivity to childhood obesity. Louv coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder, a newly common behavior where people do not get outside enough; they lose touch with the natural world and all the wonder and healing properties within"(Seaward, 2021). He states that this is not just in children but adults. Approximately "95 percent of adults spend their time indoors"(Seaward, 2021). That is a shocking revelation, but at the same time, you can see evidence of it everywhere you look, with the epidemic of obesity affecting many cultures. 

John Maxwell, a leadership author, says that "everything comes with a trade-off," meaning we have traded outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, fishing, hunting, exploring mountain tops, and playing in the waves of the beach for instant gratification found in on-demand television, video games, computers, and smartphones. Because of this trade-off, we have people who are deficient in many areas of their lives. "You may have heard of the term biorhythms before, but the correct scientific term is circadian rhythms, which describes the various body rhythms in 24 hours. It is your body's internal clock. It programs everything from releasing melatonin (the sleep hormone) in the evening to regulating the gastrointestinal tract. These rhythms are based on the earth's 24-hour rotation on its axis and have been ingrained in our D.N.A. since the dawn of humanity"(Seaward, 2021). Televisions, electricity, smartphones, and video games have disrupted this rhythm, which is proving detrimental to stress and chronic diseases. 

The message is clear: We must spend more time outdoors by intentionally prioritizing our schedule. Here are a few simple ways to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors by gardening, placing a birdfeeder outside, meeting loved ones for lunch outdoors and walking at parks or greenways, taking your adventure cat or dog for a walk on your favorite trail, going for a walk or jog in the woods or near forests, taking time to watch the sunset or sunrise, or turning off your smartphone or tablet and going outside at night to watch the fireflies, or become familiar with the constellations, phases of the moon, and occasional meteor showers are just some of the many examples to help return to the surroundings of our natural world. 

"Humans' need for nature is more than a simple requirement for material exploitation. Humans must also interact with nature and its ecosystems to enhance cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and aesthetic development. These include the following physical and mental health disorders:

• General medical recovery (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, surgery recovery, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation)
• Pain reduction
• Mood and stress (e.g., post-traumatic stress, anxiety, self-esteem, addiction, mental well-being)
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Dementia
• Obesity
• Other Disorders (e.g., vitamin D deficiencies, general mental health issues)

Finally, Nature therapy is essential for several typical developmental aspects of children and the maintenance of those aspects for adults. Therefore, the following developmental elements are considered

• Creativity
• Cognition
• Restoration
• Well-being and Life Satisfaction"(Summers, 2018).

It is simple to get back to the joys of nature and learn to be intentional with your goals of spending more time outdoors. Let's face it: we could all use the downtime to recharge and reconnect. Why not start in nature that tickles all five senses? I invite you to find an accountability partner to help you intentionally set aside time to go outside daily to do something fun in nature. If you need ideas, I am here to help you brainstorm possibilities that work for your personality and schedule. It only takes 90 days for a habit to form. Let's create some nature walks together. 

References

Maxwell, J. (2012)The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential, Center Street, New York, NY.

Seaward, B.L. (2021) Essentials of Managing Stress [5th Edition], Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. Burlington MA.

Summers, J.K. and Vivian, D.N. (2018) Ecotherapy - A Forgotten Ecosystem Service: A Review, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6085576/

Video

Frost Science: Youtube Link in the caption