Date of the last update: 24.07.2024
Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy or forest therapy, is a method that uses interaction with nature to improve mental and physical health. In ecotherapy, individuals use natural environments such as forests, parks, lakes or gardens to experience the benefits of interacting with nature. This form of therapy can include a variety of activities, such as forest walks, outdoor meditation or mindfulness practices in a natural setting. Ecotherapy is an increasingly popular method to support mental and physical health, offering the opportunity to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature.
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Is practising ecotherapy difficult?
Ecotherapy can sometimes be underrated. It is not usually difficult to practice as it’s mainly about interacting with nature and enjoying its benefits. It is more a matter of opening up to the experience of nature and taking the time to walk or relax surrounded by nature and fully immerse yourself in it. However, for some people it can be a challenge in terms of organising their time or accessing suitable green space. Fortunately, there are many ways to tailor ecotherapy to individual needs and abilities.
How to start practising ecotherapy step by step?
Embarking on a journey with ecotherapy can be a fascinating experience with numerous mental and physical health benefits. Consciously and regularly practising ecotherapy helps to de-stress, improve mood and increase your overall sense of well-being. How to get started.
Plan
Choose a location convenient for you to practice ecotherapy. This could be a nearby park, a forest, a lake or even your own garden. It is important to choose a place that you enjoy and that is accessible to you.
Identify your goal
Before starting ecotherapy, it is worth thinking about what goals you want to achieve. Do you want to reduce stress, improve your mood, increase your creativity or simply enjoy the tranquillity of nature? Identifying your goals will help you to choose a better suited therapeutic process.
Prepare mentally
Before you set off for your first ecotherapy session, prepare yourself mentally for the experience. Open your mind to the positive effects of nature on your wellbeing and be ready to receive stimuli from the natural environment around you.
Start a regular practice
Start regular ecotherapy sessions, trying to spend as much time as possible outdoors. This could be a short walk in the park after work, a morning meditation on the beach or a weekend trip to a nearby forest. It is important to practice ecotherapy regularly to reap the full health benefits.
Check out also: Benefits of forest bathing
Be present and open
When practising ecotherapy, try to be present in the moment and open to the experiences that nature brings. Focus on your senses, observe the landscapes around you, listen to the sounds of nature and allow yourself to breathe deeply. The more mindfully and openly you approach the practice, the greater the health benefits you will be able to achieve.
Summary
In summary, ecotherapy is accessible and easy to practice for most people. It is mainly about getting in touch with nature and enjoying its benefits. Although it can be a bit of an organisational challenge for people living in crowded cities, for example, there are many ways to tailor the practice of ecotherapy to individual needs and abilities. The key is to open yourself up to the experience of nature and to take time to relax and recuperate surrounded by nature. The reward is great mental and physical wellbeing.
