On a biological scale, we have lived in cities for a very short time. That’s why our brains are still wired to life in nature and why disconnecting from the environment could increase your risk of anxiety, depression, poor mood, and loneliness.

Ecotherapy helps establish our desired patterns, providing mental and physical benefits. Research suggests that ecotherapy:

• Eases anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder
• Lowers cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Decreases fatigue after breast cancer surgery
• Improves diabetes symptoms
• Improves fibromyalgia symptoms
• Boosts post-surgery recovery
• Enhances self-esteem

Calm, refreshing natural landscapes allow people to reconnect with the environment, awaking their primal instincts. Nature exposure simply provides relief from the stresses of modern life. It enables you to slow down and rebalance, which recharges your batteries. Things like chirping birds, flowing streams, green pastures, and natural sunlight can improve your mood and increase your perceived quality of life.

Practicing ecotherapy is simple – the basic principle is to spend time outdoors and unwind. You can sit in a green backyard, go hiking, walk in the park, visit a botanical garden, or rest under a tree.

Ecotherapy also refers to enriching your living environment with some natural elements. For example, research in ecotherapy explores how natural fruit fragrances, indoor plants, nature photography, well-lit rooms, guided nature imagery, and window views create positive effects even when you can’t go outside.

Here are some more ideas on how you can experience the full benefits of nature:

• Outdoor exercise
• Gardening
• Nature meditation
• Forest bathing
• Animal therapy
• Light therapy

Dr. Johnson can help you develop an ecotherapy regimen you can incorporate into your lifestyle to reconnect with nature and regain balance. You can set up an appointment by calling 832-588-8863 or click this link to schedule an appointment.