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Life’s stressors are easier to manage with multiple forms of self-care. If you’ve already tried bubble baths and skin care products without feeling any positive change, explore the possibilities of nature therapy. The popular approach to relaxation could unlock your peace of mind, finally setting your nervous system at ease.

Benefits of Relaxing Outdoors

Looking at trees isn’t the same thing as spending time outside. Ecotherapy has numerous benefits because relaxing outdoors engages the mind in various ways.

Reduced Stress Levels

Think about how your body feels when you walk into work. You likely know you’re in for a busy day, so you’re already tense in that environment. Nature therapy helps people spend more time in places where they can take a deep breath, listen to calming sounds and not feel pressured by life’s responsibilities. Green spaces reduce your stress and blood pressure, creating physical and mental benefits you can feel right away.

Increased Awareness Through Mindfulness

While it’s tempting to sit in a park and scroll through funny videos on your phone, you’ll have a better nature therapy experience if you leave your electronics in your bag. Unplugging from the world gives you an overstimulation break and makes it easier to concentrate on your senses. You may feel more in tune with the wind on your face and the bird singing nearby when you’re not distracted by electronics. 

Enhanced Cognitive Functioning

Brain fog is about to become a thing of the past. Spending more time outdoors helps your mind accomplish tasks more efficiently through ecotherapy. Some nature-based interventions improved cognitive outcomes 98% of the time for study participants, which could help you in numerous ways. If you have a focus-intensive job, you may do better in the workplace by doing more outdoor activities in your free time.

Ways to Add More Nature Therapy to Your Routine

Wanting to try nature healing is the first step. Finding ways to have fun outdoors is your next challenge. Get inspired with some popular nature therapy activities to reshape your schedule around what’s best for your mental health.

1. Sit in Your Backyard

You don’t have to do anything complicated to benefit from nature therapy. Grab a chair and sit in your backyard. You could even put a blanket over the grass and watch the clouds. Give yourself at least 10 minutes to disengage from life stressors. You’ll feel grounded and settled in your body by the time you go back inside.

2. Take a Daily Walk

Walking is another great activity that makes nature therapy more accessible. Try strolling around your apartment complex or neighborhood. A casual walk can improve your sleep, memory and mood while strengthening your heart with gentle cardio. You’ll also get more green space exposure if your walk happens around trees or beautiful natural views.

3. Meet Friends at a Park

Nature healing sessions often happen alone, but you can also spend time outside with your friends. Ask them to meet you at a local park. You could chat on a bench or amble around a walking path. The green space will help your mental health, while the fun socialization gives you more joy.

4. Do Your Hobbies Outside

You might consider yourself one of the many people who struggle to sit and do nothing. If the idea of something in your backyard and listening to the wind makes you groan, bring one of your hobbies. You could drink your specialty coffee on the porch or read a book in the sunshine.

Explore new hobbies if your favorite activities require electronics. You might like knitting, which brings people greater peace before they take their project outside. Try painting what you see or sketching. There are many hobbies you can do outdoors that complement nature therapy sessions.

Supplies You Might Need for Outdoor Activities

You can head outside whenever you want, but you may need some supplies to stay comfortable. Keep yourself safe during prolonged outdoor sessions with some of our favorite nature therapy tools.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Any amount of time in the sun increases your exposure to ultraviolet light. Minimize your risk of skin damage by wearing an oil-free sunscreen during your nature therapy time. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer product applies quickly, soaks into your skin and doesn’t leave the greasy feel that many other sunscreen products do. You can even wear it under your makeup without ruining your look.

$13.32 from Amazon

SUNCREAT Double Portable Hammock

Some outdoor spaces are beautiful, but don’t have any places to sit. If you want to avoid ant hills and dirt, set up a portable hammock. The SUNCREAT model has a firm woven material and an easy carrying bag, so you can bring your water-resistant hammock wherever you want to spend time.

$159.89 from Amazon

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Drinking more water is always a good idea. You should especially have water nearby if you’re outdoors for prolonged periods. Hydro Flask makes one of the best water bottles because it regulates the internal temperature of your beverage for days. You’ll have ice-cold water whenever you need to rehydrate during your nature therapy walks or outdoor time with friends. 

$44.95 from Amazon

Try Nature Therapy This Week

See what kinds of nature therapy activities interest you. Whether you go for a walk, read a book outside or meditate in your backyard, your mental health will feel stronger than ever before.

FAQs

What Is the Meaning of Nature Therapy?

Nature therapy means spending time in a natural setting without anything that causes stress or overstimulation. You can do it in any outdoor space, as long as you leave your electronics behind.

What Is an Example of Nature Therapy?

An example of nature therapy would be an outdoor yoga class. You could also do yoga alone in your backyard. The unplugged activity slows your heart rate while honing your breathing, improving your mindfulness for the benefit of your mental health.

What Is the 20-5-3 Rule for Nature?

The 20-5-3 rule is a guideline that encourages people to improve their mental health by spending 20 minutes in a green space at least three times per week. They should spend five hours each month in semi-wild places and three days annually in the wilderness. You don’t have to follow the 20-5-3 rule to engage in nature therapy because the practice is customizable.