Nature is Therapy

Many folks are in therapy, and many of us folks don't know that therapy can happen in nature! I feel like nature IS the medicine when it comes to mental health and well being, and we can add it into our every day lives and rituals, our down time and vacations and also our therapy sessions.

Nature is Grounding

Nature helps us ground, that means feel calm and at peace, connected with the present moment. Being outside can give us a quick shot of sunshine and fresh air, helping rejuvenate and refresh our bodies and minds. Nature is also expansive, being in it frees us up to move, reach and stretch out of our daily habits and behaviors.

Walking outdoors bi-laterally stimulates our brains working each hemisphere back and forth, step by step, helping us work through issues in our lives and gain new perspectives on things were working on in therapy and life. When we do walk and talks during therapy in can allow for fresh energy into stagnant spaces in our minds and psyche. Exercise and walking are also good to get the blood flowing, regulating dopamine and serotonin levels, kicking up the blood pressure and all sorts of other fun scientific stuff I don't have the space to fill here.

Nature retreats, ceremonies and rituals all offer different benefits. A big one for me is that nature forces me to disconnect from my chaotic world, phones, screens and traffic jams and focus inward, on myself. 

When it comes to mental health, we have options. You don't even need a therapist to reap the benefits of nature, just go outside. Make it your practice to wake up to the sun and soak up the rays first thing in the morning. Take your kid on a walk at night. Howl at the moon. Every little thing makes a difference. Choose wisely.

Be Well!

—Jenni