Natural Therapy
Many books and articles have been published about how to boost happiness. One (prove) way is by spending more time in nature. In a study published in Science Advances, there is evidence contact with nature is associated with many benefits including increases in happiness, a sense of well-being, positive social interactions, and a feeling of meaningfulness in life.
Nature therapy, also called ecotherapy, is the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health. You can do nature therapy anywhere, you live in rural, suburban, or urban areas.
As an example, in the foothills of the Snowdonia National Park in the UK, outdoor art-related activities (hold) to help those who suffer from depression, anxiety and stress. Art psychotherapist Pamela Stanley told the BBC that there was a "growing body of evidence" to support ecotherapy.
It's true that for most of us (expose) to the natural world definitely lifts our spirits.
But ecotherapy can also include activities or therapies you are formally guided by therapists and trained leaders. It's Dr Rachel Bragg from the University of Essex calls "psychological restoration". "Ecotherapy is one tool that you have to draw on (strengthen) and deepen the work that you're doing with your clients or your patients."
Of course, eco-therapy won't cure , but it is an option for therapists to use. And as we become more aware of the causes and effects of mental health, it's good to know that help lie outside our towns and cities, and that nature can give us a helping hand.
