Nature Therapy

Imaging being in lush green pastures. From your spot, you can see the faraway mountains, and their icy tips. But you are sitting where the sun is shining bright, spreading warmth on your face, which then seeps through the rest of your body as well.

There is silence, but there is also whispering of the leaves, soothing bird noises, and the sound of the waterfall from the gentle water stream that runs near where you are sitting, gazing at the beautiful flower, breathing in the crisp morning air.

Doesn’t this sound so magical and soothing? This is exactly what nature therapy entails. Also known as ecotherapy, it aims at utilizing nature for healing.

However, it is also prudent to follow the instructions of your psychologist, as some people may suffer from a wider range of more complicated issues.

Types of nature therapies

While you can benefit from the calming greens of the pastures and the lush blue of the ocean on its own, there are other ways to practice nature therapy as well. These include:

Animal-assisted therapy

This entails using animals like horses and dogs to play and unwind in order to improve mental state.

Adventure therapy

Adventure therapy includes different sports like rafting and rock climbing out in nature.

Forest therapy

As the name suggests, this type of therapy involves using forests to improve the mental state. It is also known as forest bathing,

Wilderness therapy

This type of therapy involves connecting with the wilderness and is especially beneficial for young adults and adolescents.

Benefits of nature therapy

The key component of nature therapy is using nature to heal. There are many benefits to this approach.

Improved cognitive abilities 

We live in digital jungles and have an onslaught of so many sensations. Phones, tablets, televisions; there are so many screens with varying content. With their loud noises and bright light, these digital devices not only overload our senses, but also impair our focus.

Spending too much time watching pointless shows and scrolling through social media feeds makes one dull. These also do not challenge the brain, due to which, our cognitive abilities become slow.

Moreover, the jarring screens do not also have any sort of inspiration. It also then impedes creativity as well.

Nature, on the other hand, helps in remedying these problems. Being in nature not only helps in reconnecting with oneself, but it also causes improved focus. Moreover, nature also helps in improving memory and attention, alongside improving other cognitive skills.

Furthermore, nature is extremely awe-inspiring as well. Everything is a work of art; from the plants to the sites, everything carries such creative energy that one cannot help but be inspired by the nature.

Propagates happiness

Our busy lives are also marked by a lack of happiness. Through the rut of work to the demands of the household, our energies are drained. As we wade through urban life, we become noticeably less content and sadder.

Nature acts as a balm to the discontent soul. According to research as well, being out in nature is effective for improving happiness. It also helps in improving one’s wellbeing. People who interact more with nature are also more positive.

When you are out in nature, you observe the miracle of life. The vastness of the universe helps in putting your little problems in perspective. Moreover, as you take in the fresh views, and not that of the concrete jungle, your mind also becomes serene. Observing nature also helps in realizing the meaningfulness of life.

Decreases mental health problems

A lovely stroll through nature can also help in improving your symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Even as little as a few minutes in nature can improve your state. Of course, this does not mean that you forgo treatment prescribed by your Psychologist in Islamabad, instead, supplement it with nature therapy.

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