Nature Therapy : Healing in the Outdoors

The moment we hear the word ‘Nature’, we feel a sense of calmness. Growing up along the coast, nature was always integral to my life. As a child, I was surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna unique to the region, from tall coconut trees to tiny wildflowers! The endless beach and the soothing waves crashing against the shore became my solace.

Whenever I felt overwhelmed or stressed, I would simply go out on a walk in the farms nearby or escape to the beach, both of which were very close to my house. Sitting on the soft sand and listening to the soothing waves of the ocean made me feel peaceful and calm. Little did I know that those moments in the diverse trees and those around the ocean were shaping my understanding of healing - what I now recognize as the power of Nature Therapy!

Most of us have intuitively felt that nature has the healing power and it does have a positive impact on our mental well-being. Well, this is true, because research backs it up. Research says that nature has ample benefits for mental health. It includes a variety of benefits such as reduction of stress and anxiety and also the improvement in the mood and focus of an individual. Exposure to nature plays an important role in the reduction of the stress hormone called cortisol. It also improves our cognitive function. A study revealed that those who spent more time in nature performed better on a cognitive task than those who spent time in urban environments. Not only that, it is also found that being connected to nature decreases the levels of depression.

Nature engages all our senses and it creates an experience where we feel connected to our environment and ourselves. Being in nature makes us feel happy, which boosts the secretion of the ‘feel-good’ hormone - serotonin. The beach was my favorite place to heal myself and it can be one of the perfect examples of how nature can impact us positively. For instance, the sound of the waves of the beach triggers the alpha waves inside our brain, which promote relaxation. At the same time, when we take a stroll on the beach, the sensation of walking over the sand helps us cultivate mindfulness. Hence, I would say that sitting by the seashore created a meditative headspace for me.

Even now, I would recommend everyone to search for similar environments where they can connect with nature. It can be anything, from going to a simple garden and walking barefoot on the grass, to going on a small hike on the nearest mountain! 

And in case you cannot go out in nature, then bring nature indoors!

1. Add plants to your house, as they increase the production of oxygen and also remove toxins from the air. Research also shows that people who spend more time around plants have more concern, empathy and calmness.
2. Download and listen to sounds of pure nature. There are various recorded audios of nature which contain water sounds, bird sounds, and forest sounds available on the internet.

Not only that, in case you are not able to go out in nature or bring nature indoors, then you can look at images or videos of nature and achieve the same effect! It has been scientifically proven by Mayer that exposure to nature - in person or via video/images -improves attention, positive emotions and the ability to reflect upon a life problem. Of course, the effects of spending time directly in nature are stronger, but if someone can't do it; you always have this option handy!

Some benefits of Nature Therapy are : 

• Nature therapy can help boost the immune system by calming the body. When we’re relaxed and stress-free, our immune system works best. Spending time in nature can be helpful because the air contains natural chemicals that may directly support the immune system.
• Being in nature or even just looking at images of natural settings can help reduce the sensation of pain.
• Nature therapy has also been found to lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, positively impacting mood. 
• If we exercise in nature, it helps to ease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD).
• Overall, participating in nature therapy can enhance one's quality of life and general well-being.

To experience the benefits of nature therapy you don’t need to live by the ocean or a forest. Here are a few simple ways to bring the healing power of nature into your life:

1. Find your “beach” - Identify a place in nature with which you can connect, which resonates with you. It could be your balcony of the apartment, a place where you have planted trees, or a garden by your house - any place which allows you to connect with the nature around you.
   
   
2. Engage your senses - Just like how the sound of the waves helped me to calm down, try to find specific sounds, smells or visuals when you are in nature. This helps create mindfulness and reduce stress.

3. Take regular nature walks - Try to go out in nature often and do mindful walking. Engaging in mindful walking will help you to improve your breathing which in turn helps you to lower your heart rate.

4. Be present - Try to avoid distractions like phones or laptops when you are wandering around in nature. Allow yourself to be present fully in the environment that you are in.

Being out in nature is going to benefit our mental health. So create a meaningful connection with Mother Earth and live a stress-free life!