Before you dive in, pause for a moment. Look around—are you hunched over a desk or scrolling from bed without thinking?

When was the last time you stepped outside just to be in nature—no phone, no agenda? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone.

In our always-on world, where hustle is praised and stillness feels lazy, we’ve lost touch with the outdoors. That’s where ecotherapy comes in—a reminder that nature isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. A breath of fresh air and a moment of calm might be exactly what your mind needs.

What happens when we don’t spend enough time outdoors?

When we don’t spend enough time outside, our body’s natural sleep cycle gets thrown off. Daylight helps set our internal clock and tells our body when to make melatonin—the hormone that helps us sleep. Without it, we sleep poorly, and that can lead to feeling grumpy, unfocused, getting sick more easily, and just not feeling our best overall.

Missing out on even a small daily dose of sunshine can lead to several detrimental consequences. The regulation of our mental headspace relies heavily on nature, with anxiety and depression levels skyrocketing when we are cooped up indoors. 

So, what is ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses nature and outdoor activities to support mental and emotional well-being. It can include things like walking in green spaces, gardening, or simply spending mindful time in nature to reduce stress and improve mood.

There isn’t one strict approach to practicing ecotherapy. Depending on the amount of time you have, where you live and how many plants you are able to grow in the comfort of your own home, you can dive into ecotherapy anywhere. 

Some great ways to start would be:

Get Your Hands Dirty!

Whether it’s nurturing a single succulent or growing your own little jungle, gardening offers the chance to grow your own produce, spend time working outdoors and connect a little bit more with nature. Involving yourself in community gardening initiatives can also build relationships and help you do your part for your society.

Hike It Out!

This approach attempts to teach coping techniques and therapeutic skills to individuals as they camp together in the wilderness, engaging in activities like hiking, building shelters, creating art outdoors and so much more.

Green & Blue!

Fortunately, or unfortunately, this form of exercise has nothing to do with the colour scheme of your activewear and everything to do with where you choose to workout. Green exercise involves running or walking amongst greenery, and blue exercise could mean engaging in activities near bodies of water, like open-water swimming. 

Play Fetch, Not Stress

This one’s a favourite for animal lovers: petting, playing, or working with animals outdoors may offer another way to help manage stress by building a therapeutic relationship with them while spending some time under the sun.

Conclusion

Remember, nature isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a powerful tool for healing, especially in a world that rarely slows down. Even the smallest outdoor experiences can make a meaningful difference to your mental well-being. 

Ecotherapy reminds us that improving our mental health doesn’t always require a prescription or a perfect routine, sometimes, it just starts with stepping outside. When life races by, nature becomes the quiet peace we long for.

References