The Healing Power of Nature for Your Mental Health
by Anne Ueberbach
Assistant Director / Counsellor
The Healing Power of Nature for Your Mental Health
A recent meta-analysis published in the journal Ecopsychology has found that spending time in nature, even as little as 10 minutes, can have a positive impact on mental health for adults with diagnosed mental illness. The study, which examined 30 years of research on the topic, found that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve thinking, and boost mood.
As per the World Health Organization, globally 1 in 8 people struggle with some form of mental illness. Considering the impact of mental health on one’s overall quality of life, as well as its economic impact, identifying and promoting accessible and affordable mental health support is especially crucial.
The Benefits of Nature Exposure
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a range of benefits for mental health, including:
Reduced stress levels
Improved cognitive functioning
Boosted mood
Improved overall well-being
Additionally, regardless of the type of diagnosed mental illness, nature exposure showed statistically significant short-term improvements on mental health symptoms. The positive effects of nature appeared even greater for those participants diagnosed with mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
8 Popular Nature-Based Healing Practices
Nature is currently being utilized in various ways for healing and therapy, including:
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Ecotherapy: A form of therapy that involves spending time in nature to improve mental health and well-being.
Nature-Based Interventions: Hospitals and healthcare facilities incorporating nature views, gardens, and outdoor spaces to aid in patient recovery.
Outdoor Adventure Therapy: Using outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wilderness expeditions to support mental health treatment.
Horticultural Therapy: Utilizing gardening and plant care as a therapeutic tool for physical and mental rehabilitation.
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Incorporating animals, such as dogs, into therapy sessions to promote emotional healing and connection.
Forest Bathing: A Japanese practice, Shinrin-yoku, that involves immersing oneself in the natural environment to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Green Space Therapy: Using urban parks and green spaces for therapy sessions, walks, and relaxation.
Nature-Based Mindfulness: Combining mindfulness practices with nature exposure to enhance mental well-being.
These nature-based healing practices are being used to support individuals with various mental and physical health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic illnesses.
The Importance of Accessible Nature
One of the key findings of the study was that even small amounts of time spent in nature can be beneficial. This is important, as it suggests that individuals do not need to have access to large amounts of time or resources to benefit from nature exposure. Even a short walk in a city park or a few minutes spent gazing out the window can be beneficial.
For individuals with mobility issues or disabilities, wilderness areas can be a significant challenge to access. Fortunately, accessible nature alternatives like urban parks, green spaces, or even simply gazing out a window can provide a more inclusive experience. Similarly, those without access to wilderness areas or national parks due to resource constraints can still benefit from urban nature, which can be just as effective in promoting mental well-being. By embracing accessible nature, we can ensure that everyone can reap the rewards of nature exposure, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
“Ten minutes in urban nature is far less intimidating, expensive and time-consuming for people who do not have the time, resources, interest, community support or equipment to venture into wilderness for days or weeks.”
The Power of Urban Nature
The study also found that urban nature, such as parks and green spaces, can be just as beneficial as wilderness areas. This is important, as it suggests that individuals living in urban areas can still benefit from nature exposure, even if they do not have access to wilderness areas.
The study revealed that spending time in water-based outdoor environments, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, had the most profound positive impact on mental health. Engaging in activities like camping, farming, and gardening also showed exceptional benefits. Additionally, urban nature, mountains, and forests were found to have significant positive effects, highlighting the diverse range of natural settings that can support mental well-being.
Additional Support through Counselling / Therapy
While nature exposure can have a positive impact on mental health, it is essential to note that it should not replace other therapeutic or clinical interventions. For individuals struggling with mental health issues, therapy can provide additional support and guidance. A qualified therapist (such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist) can help individuals:
Process their emotions and experiences
Develop coping strategies and techniques
Address underlying issues and concerns
Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
Our international team at The Counselling Place Singapore provides high-quality counselling and coaching services. Our counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapist, parenting coaches and career coaches speak 11 languages, allowing anyone to seek support in a language they are most comfortable with. Let us help you regain control of your mental health. Book an appointment today to get started!
Conclusion
The study provides strong evidence for the benefits of nature exposure for mental health. As the authors note, "Going for a short walk or taking a camping trip should not necessarily be thought of as a replacement for other therapeutic or clinical interventions, but rather as an inexpensive, widely-available resource to support adults' mental health and overall well-being." By incorporating nature exposure into our daily lives, we can take a proactive approach to improving our mental health and overall well-being.
While the study provides strong evidence for the benefits of nature exposure, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between nature and mental health. Specifically, more research is needed on the optimal duration and frequency of nature exposure, as well as the specific mechanisms by which nature exposure improves mental health.