Lake Huron, the Great Lake that was my childhood backyard.
Growing up in northeastern Michigan, I didn’t know about traditional talk therapy, so nature became my personal form of therapy. Whenever life felt chaotic or overwhelming, I’d escape to the lakes, trees, and grassy fields that made up my backyard. At the time, I didn’t think much about why nature made me feel better, I just knew I felt rejuvenated and peaceful when I spent time outdoors.
From an early age, I spent hours exploring, building forts, playing sports, running around, and camping out nearly every night during the summer months. Nature wasn’t just a pastime; it was a sanctuary for my mental health. It wasn’t until later that I learned the science behind why nature had such a profound impact on my well-being.
The Science Behind Nature's Healing Power
Even in college and beyond, nature has remained a cornerstone of my life. Whether hiking, camping, or enjoying outdoor sports, I found myself consistently drawn to nature. I even worked in outdoor educational programs and therapeutic outdoor programs before becoming a licensed ecotherapist—a profession I didn’t know existed until long after I had been practicing its principles.
Too much directed attention.
What I instinctively knew—something we all feel in our hearts—was later confirmed by science: nature heals. The fresh air, sunshine, and greenery of natural spaces are scientifically proven to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall mental and physical well-being. Green spaces—whether it’s a park, forest, or your own backyard—are a natural remedy for the brain. Spending time in nature allows our brains to recover from the fatigue caused by “directed attention.” Directed attention fatigue is a result of multitasking, disruptive background noise, lack of sleep, and frequent shifts in focus during sustained attention, and is particularly an issue in urban environments. This mental exhaustion can lead to anxiety and depression, but nature helps restore our brains by offering a peaceful environment that doesn’t require the same focused effort.
The Benefits of Nature for Mental Health and Wellness
Spending time in nature has been linked to numerous mental and physical health benefits, including:
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Improved mood and emotional well-being
• Decreased symptoms of depression, PTSD, ADHD, and addiction
• Better memory, focus, and cognitive functioning
• Increased self-esteem and empowerment
• Boosted creativity and productivity
• Improved social connections and reduced antisocial behaviors
• Lower crime rates and stronger community bonds
• Better sleep, faster recovery from illness, and reduced pain
• Healthier cardiovascular and immune systems
Nature makes us happy and brings us back to the present moment.
Even more, nature helps us stay connected to something larger than ourselves. It facilitates presence, mindfulness, and a deeper sense of gratitude. By reconnecting with nature, we start making healthier choices—choosing foods that nourish our bodies, moving our bodies in ways that feel good, and sharing the restorative power of nature with others.
Ecotherapy: Nature-Based Therapy for Deep Healing
If you’re struggling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or stress, nature-based therapy offers even more profound benefits. Research shows that simply spending time in natural spaces can improve mood and well-being, but working with a nature-based therapist can enhance these effects. As a licensed ecotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand how nature can accelerate healing.
When my clients experience nature-based therapy, they engage with the outdoors in a way that promotes mindfulness and organic change. Instead of simply discussing behavior changes in an office, we implement them right there in the great outdoors. The natural environment strengthens cognition and focus, helping clients more easily incorporate positive changes into their daily lives.
Nature-based therapy can be particularly healing for those experiencing climate grief or eco-anxiety. It also has positive effects on those feeling lonely, stuck, or unmotivated. When we reconnect with nature, we often gain greater clarity, inspiration, and perspective. No matter what our spiritual beliefs are, we begin to see ourselves as part of a greater whole. It puts our “problems” into perspective—not diminishing them, but also preventing them from overwhelming us.
How Nature Heals Us Naturally
Ecotherapy by a lake.
The benefits of nature are felt on both a physical and mental level. From reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health to boosting creativity and enhancing relationships, nature has the power to heal in ways that go beyond what traditional therapy can achieve. And the best part? It all happens naturally. In nature, we don't force ourselves to make healthier choices—we simply feel better, and those positive choices follow suit.
When we spend time outdoors, we’re more tuned into the world around us. We slow down, become more aware, and make wiser choices that support our dreams and goals, as well as those around us, and the world as a whole. Nature doesn’t just heal our minds; it transforms lives.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Healing Power of Nature
If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health and well-being, consider embracing the healing power of nature. Whether it's through outdoor exercise, mindfulness practices, or nature-based therapy, the benefits of spending time in natural spaces are undeniable. So, get outside and start experiencing the natural therapy that’s available to you!
And if you’re ready to take your healing to the next level, working with a licensed ecotherapist could be the perfect solution. Ecotherapy can guide you in making deeper connections with nature and help you work through the mental and emotional challenges that life throws at you.