Ecopsychology: Healing Through Nature

The digital world is becoming inescapable, forcing a reliance on technology for travel, work, communication, news, and so many other things that keep us connected to society. Because of this, it is so easy to become lost in our devices, overwhelmed by online consumption and activity, and as a result we feel unfocused and anxious in our daily lives. We are spending so much time in these intangible, digital environments that it is causing us to become removed from our physical world. Ecopsychology examines the connection we have to our natural environment and promotes the practice of an eco-centric existence–one in which we embrace nature as being intrinsically connected to humans. By doing this, we are able to remain grounded in the world around us, as well as demonstrating respect and care for the natural world.

Cultivating a positive relationship with the natural world has been proven to have many benefits. Not only have studies shown that those who spend more time in green spaces experience improved psychological well-being, but it can also enhance physical health and cognitive functioning. Nature’s positive effects on concentration has even resulted in the increasing growth of forest schools, a teaching practice founded in Denmark and Sweden in the 1950s, and which has since spread to the UK and Canada. This method of learning is where practitioners lead classes in outdoor environments, encouraging children to explore, communicate and nurture their curiosity within the natural world. It has many advantages, such as increased confidence, empathy, physical wellbeing and concentration.

Although this is one formal, structured example of how nature can improve our minds, we can also find small ways to cultivate our personal relationships with the natural world. This could be walking around your local park once a week, or sitting in your garden with a cup of tea in the afternoon and listening to birdsong. We cannot exist separately from nature, and it’s important to remember that. If we neglect the natural world, we are also neglecting ourselves.