Types of nature therapy and their benefits
Humans have spent over 99.99% of our time on this planet living in the natural environment. We have adapted quite quickly to living in highly urbanized and artificial settings, but at what risk to our wellness? Research supports the theory that our modern living conditions are contributing to the "stress state" that afflicts a significant amount of people today. When you see the increasing amount of commercials for anxiety and depression prescription medications, it's hard to ignore the fact that something is definitely affecting our mental state....
If we look to the industrial revolution as the beginning of urbanization as we now know it, less than .01% of our existence has been spent in modern artificial surroundings. In addition, the emergence of cities, dubbed ‘Megacities’ like Tokyo and New York where more than 10 million people live in close proximity to each other has an enormous impact on human lifestyle to the detriment of our overall well being. Compound these artificial surroundings with abundant forms of technologies that expose us to more artificial elements like EMF and blue light and it’s no wonder that modern day stress levels are through the roof.
As a result of our increased levels of stress, a health promotion method called nature therapy has been increasing in popularity. Nature therapy uses exposure to natural stimuli from forests, green spaces, and natural wooden materials to directly influence the parasympathetic nervous system and induce a state of relaxation.
Nature therapy to date includes;
Forest therapy - otherwise known as ‘forest bathing’ or “taking in the forest atmosphere through all of our senses”. Research done on forest therapy has shown promising in not only reducing stress levels, but boosting immunity in people with weakened immune systems, as well as reducing pulse rate and blood pressure levels.
Urban green space therapy - for those without access to a forest, the research in green space therapy like a city park or even actively contributing to a courtyard garden has shown to increase the longevity of senior citizens as well as shown markers to reducing stress levels by increasing parasympathetic activity and reducing sympathetic activity in the body.
Plant therapy - For those unable to leave a place to gain access to outdoor space (more common with the pandemic in nursing homes) researchers have started looking into the physiological relaxing effects of exposure to flowers, such as roses and foliage plants that are frequently used in flower arrangement. This type of therapy is quite new and not enough research exists to determine if it is of any benefit.
Visual and Olfactory Simulation - Another new area of research is to look at the physiological effect of a 2D or 3D visual nature experience and or even presenting a nature smell. So far the research on visual stimulation has been showing some promise though more time is needed to get longer term results
With the options available to you in your situation, finding 20 minutes three times each week to spend in a forest, park, or garden provides a simple, relatively easily accessible and cost effective way to improve your quality of life and health.
