This article was created by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
Approximately 4.4 billion people currently live in cities. This represents more than half of the world's population and is expected to increase to almost 70% by 2050. Urban environments offer countless benefits, from economic advantages to entertainment, but they often lack a connection to nature, and it shows. Destinations, hotels, and wellness centers around the world are increasingly offering a variety of outdoor therapies to support the physical and mental health of their visitors.
Dr. Andrew Cuthbert is the clinical director of Timber Creek Counseling, a Michigan-based mental health care clinic. Dr. Cuthbert deeply believes that spending time outdoors in nature is essential to improving people's mental health, and there is plenty of research to back him up. He pointed out that research shows the benefits of spending time outdoors include reduced risk of mental disorders, improved working memory, cognitive performance, mental health, and cooperative behavior. doing. “Interestingly, as I sat down to refresh on this very subject, my brain felt cluttered with stressors, long to-do lists, and general life issues.” he says. “After a walk in the woods with the leaves falling and the wind blowing in my face, I came back feeling refreshed.”
As part of his practice, Dr. Cuthbert combines “typical holiday retreats with weekly therapy,” incorporates “walk and talk” therapy into his sessions, and encourages patients to spend time in nature as a complement to formal sessions. He says he encourages them to do so. “We host couples retreats in beautiful areas away from cities and emphasize the importance of spending time outdoors,” he explains. “Couples are encouraged to connect with their partners through play in the great outdoors and have difficult conversations surrounded by nature, being mindful of how the environment affects conversations.”
As more people realize the importance of spending time outdoors, destinations are rising to the challenge, creating an incredible range of health-promoting programs that take place in beautiful natural areas, from forests and mountains to beaches and ranches. I am. Activities such as equine therapy, float therapy, maze walking, fly fishing, surf therapy, flower therapy, and outdoor sound healing are emerging, developed by both mental health professionals and experts in their respective fields. I am. Dr Cuthbert loves the idea as a fun and creative way to support people's mental health. “It is heartening to hear that more people are beginning to explore these healing avenues,” he concludes.
6 therapies that utilize the power of nature
1. equine therapy, usa
Animal-assisted therapy is incorporated into more traditional approaches to harness the power of the human-animal bond and provide patients with a sense of comfort. Dogs are the most popular companion for four-legged therapy, but horses are a close second. Horses are acutely aware of non-verbal cues and are therefore adept at mirroring a client's emotional state. At California's breathtaking Carmel Valley Ranch, equine therapy has been shown to improve emotional and cognitive function. Book an equine connection session to spend time with horses on the farm, enjoy mindfulness in riding, and learn techniques to be more present. A single session costs £140.
2. float therapy, iceland
Floating in highly buoyant water containing magnesium sulfate dramatically lowers stress chemicals and blood pressure, leaving your body in a relaxed, often euphoric state. The result is increased creativity and mental clarity, a strengthened immune system, and improved sleep quality. To meditate in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, head to Iceland's Blue Lagoon Retreat. Wearing a specially designed buoyancy suit and accompanied by a float therapist, you can float in mineral-rich waters. From £50 per person.
3. Ocean Therapy, UK
A study conducted on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) identified a number of health benefits from being at the beach. Similar to watching waves crashing on the shore, sound has been shown to have a calming effect, reducing symptoms by up to 36%. Mark Smith, founder of Calm Horizons, conducts mindfulness sessions on his beach in Worthing, West Sussex, and combines his therapy with ocean sound and visualization, using his bowl of singing to help clients with stress, Supports anxiety and sleep. The cost for one class is £50.
4. Forest bathing in Hong Kong
Forest bathing is a Japanese practice of forest bathing that is now popular in forests around the world. A mindful walk through the trees and immersing yourself in nature has a calming and restorative effect on both the mind and body, and has been proven to positively impact the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety. Masu. In the heart of Longfu Shan Country Park on Hong Kong Island, forest therapy guide and transformational coach Amanda Eke will help you discover the holistic healing benefits of forests through breathing techniques, meditation and harnessing the energy emitted by trees. I guide people. From £125 per person.
Five. Art therapy, Crete
Integrating psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process, art is used as a medium to deal with distressing emotional issues. There's something very soothing about concentrating just on the brushstrokes. Combining this with Mother Nature can be transformative. Artful Retreats hosts experiences in Crete and welcomes everyone, regardless of artistic ability, to unleash their creativity and find new ways of looking at everyday challenges in the beautiful landscapes of the Mediterranean. The six-day retreat costs him £1,600 per person.
6. Labyrinth Walking, USA
Unlike labyrinths, mazes have no dead ends, false turns, or blind passages. Walking along the winding path is a soothing experience, designed to encourage introspection and capture the moment. Labyrinth, located in Serenbe, Georgia, is a walking meditation device designed to help participants manage stress and revitalize personal growth. The path is mapped using meaningful Celtic symbols such as the circle and the spiral of rebirth, which signify life without a beginning or end. A single session costs £22.
To subscribe National Geographic Traveler (UK) Click here for the magazine. (Available in some countries only).
