The Healing Power of Nature: Ecotherapy for Mental Health

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order.” ~John Burroughs

Co-written with Sarah Tapia, RN

According to a study by Roger Ulrich in the 1980s, surgical patients with views of trees spent less time in the hospital after their operations. They needed fewer painkillers than those who only saw a brick wall.

Surprisingly, it’s only in the past forty years that researchers have seriously studied the impact of spending time in or looking at nature. Ulrich’s research was one of the first studies to show the significant benefits of nature on mental and physical health.

His findings helped start the field of ecotherapy, which uses nature-based activities to improve mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and boost overall health. Ulrich’s groundbreaking research showed that viewing natural scenes increased positive feelings and decreased negative emotions like sadness and anger. His studies also found that patients with views of nature had higher serotonin levels, a critical neurotransmitter that enhances mood.

Ecotherapy leverages these benefits, using nature-based activities to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being, providing a natural complement to traditional mental health treatments. In today’s digitally-driven world, where screens dominate our time, reconnecting with nature through ecotherapy, also known as green therapy, offers a powerful antidote to the stress…