Humans and Nature

Humans and nature have been connected to each other for thousands of years, but over time, that bond has begun to fall apart due to modern industrialism. But new studies are showing that spending more time in the great outdoors can actually be extremely beneficial to the population’s mental health.

Research in the field of psychology has recently revealed the effect that nature has on people. This effect can be therapeutic to people’s minds in many ways, leading it to be dubbed “ecotherapy.”

“Being alone inside stuck on a device is not a healthy lifestyle, and this has been linked to many of the most common mental health disorders out there like anxiety, depression and substance abuse,”  NHS School Counselor Deidre Croce said. 

Croce says that on top of nature healing certain mental health issues, separation from it can also be the cause of them.

“I've met many people over the years who want nothing to do with the outdoors.  Those people are almost never happy,” performance coach and avid hiker Micheala Hastings said. Hastings has grasped onto the same concept that psychologists are now discovering.

Ecotherapy can help eliminate any tension or conflict in the brain by reducing the production of certain stress inducing hormones such as cortisol. Because of this, spending time in nature can significantly lessen the effects of anxiety, PTSD, and depression. It can also spark an increase in more positive things in the mind. These may include people’s creative thinking, attention span, and their happiness as a whole.

“Nature has always been my biggest healer in life. Anytime I’m struggling, nature always reconnects me to myself. When I spend time hiking or climbing, it reminds me of just how strong and independent I am,” Hastings said.

But while these discoveries may be new, the raw concept of ecotherapy has actually been aiding humans for years without them even realizing it. When people take part in normal activities like walking outside, or going to the beach, it allows the effects of ecotherapy to show. The benefits may even be noticeable to the outside world, as it can positively affect your mood.

“Being outside makes me feel at peace, and it often allows me to appreciate the life I've been given,” NHS freshman Ben Grummons said. 

Unlike other therapeutic practices, ecotherapy doesn’t involve another person. You don’t have to pay money in order to talk to someone about your issues. Instead, it’s a permanently accessible outlet for people to release their emotions.

Normally, there may be a struggle for people to find a therapist. There is often too much going on in their lives for them to have time to sit down and talk to someone. But ecotherapy may make this easier for people. It doesn’t always involve hiking for two hours. Sometimes, even just sitting in a naturistic environment for five or ten minutes a day can make a big difference.

“I think being outside is a mandatory part of having good mental health,” Hastings stated. 

People have to spend more time in nature in order to remain both physically and mentally well. It not only prevents us from making poor decisions, but also makes us much happier people.