Immersion in Nature Enhances Mental Well-being
Hooked on Mother Nature: The Magic of Nature-Informed Therapy
(Ditch the screens and stress for a dose of fresh air, green leaves, and healing waves!)
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, it's no surprise that many of us have drifted away from our roots, losing touch with the great outdoors. But fear not, friends, for there's a simple cure to get you back on track: nature-informed therapy!
Now, you might be wondering, "What on Earth is nature-informed therapy?!" Well, buckle up, and let's dive right in!
Nature-informed therapy is essentially a combination of traditional talk therapy and the powerful healing properties of Mother Nature herself. This revolutionary approach seeks to strengthen your mental health through renewed connections with nature, yourself, and others [1][3]. Our friends Gina Strauss, a nature-loving therapist hailing from the Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative, and Sarah Boone, a licensed counselor with a private practice in Bethesda, MD, gave us the down-low on this incredible technique.
First, let's talk about where it all began: the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) [2]. Founded by the one and only Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan in 2020, this renowned training center is at the forefront of the nature-informed therapy revolution, offering programs, retreats, and mentorship to mental health professionals, groups, and individuals alike.
So, why is spending time in nature just so magical? According to Gina Strauss, it's all about those peaceful, natural sounds. She explains, "Our DNA craves those calming sounds--the rhythm of the river, the wind through the trees--it's music to our ears, and it can work wonders for our nervous systems" [3].
But wait, there's more! You don't need to wait for your next backpacking adventure to reap the benefits of this nature booster [3]. Simply taking a few moments each day to appreciate the world around you, whether it's the towering trees outside your window or the weeds growing in the city sidewalk, can work wonders for your mental state [4]. Gina Strauss calls this the power of noticing, and when done consistently, it can help calm your nervous system and deepen your connection with nature.
Looking for a specific connection that resonates? Gina encourages people to find their "thread to nature"—that unique element that lights up your soul. "It could be watching sunsets, connecting with plants, or even a simple walk in a forest. Whatever it is, make it a part of your routine, and let it anchor you during difficult times" [4].
Now, you might be thinking, "But what if I live in a concrete jungle?" Fear not, my friend, for even the smallest of nature moments can work wonders. Sarah Boone, our other nature-informed therapy guru, emphasizes that staring at a tree or simply noticing the sky can provide a much-needed boost during even the busiest of days.
In fact, spending time in nature can have some truly amazing effects on our bodies. Sarah explains, "Our heart rates drop, blood pressure goes down, cortisol levels plummet, and our immune systems get a boost. It's like a natural dose of anti-anxiety and antidepressants!" [3]
If you're still not convinced, consider this: some medical doctors have even been prescribing time in nature for stress reduction and healing!
So, there you have it—nature-informed therapyutilizes the healing power of our great outdoors to improve emotional, physical, and psychological well-being [1][3]. It's time to step away from those screens, embrace Mother Nature, and let her magic work its wonders on your soul.
For those seeking further inspiration, be sure to check out our Five Nature-Based Mental Health Boosters inspired by our enlightening conversations with Gina Strauss and Sarah Boone!
While nature-informed therapy combines traditional talk therapy with the healing properties of nature, it's not always necessary to embark on a hiking expedition to experience nature's benefits. In fact, appreciating the world around you, even in a city setting, can have positive effects on mental health by helping calm your nervous system and boosting your connection with nature. Moreover, spending time in nature can provide physical health benefits like lowered heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and improved immune system function, acting as a natural dose of anti-anxiety and antidepressants.
