RESEARCH

The Well-Evidenced Benefits of Ecotherapy

The paper reviews the field of ecotherapy and its positive effects on mental health through various nature-based activities and practices. Results from multiple studies indicate that ecotherapy and regular exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and help with a range of mental health issues, including climate change-related anxiety.
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Summary

This research paper explores the field of ecotherapy, which uses nature and outdoor activities to improve mental health. The author explains that ecotherapy can involve various practices like gardening, walking in nature, or even just looking at natural scenery. These activities have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and help with various mental health issues. The paper also discusses how ecotherapy combines elements from mindfulness practices, Indigenous wisdom, and psychological theories to help people feel more connected to nature and themselves.

The author presents evidence from multiple studies showing the benefits of ecotherapy. For example, hospital patients with views of nature recovered faster, and people living in greener areas reported better mental health. The paper also highlights how ecotherapy can be particularly helpful in addressing climate change-related anxiety and stress. Overall, the research suggests that spending time in nature, whether through structured ecotherapy programs or simply visiting natural spaces regularly, can significantly improve mental well-being.

Link

Berry, Geoff. (2023). ECOTHERAPY { PEER REVIEWED ARTICLE }. 24. 54–61.

 

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