Reacquainting Yourself with Nature: The Benefits of Eco-Therapy

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• In todays fast-paced, corporatized world, far
  too many people spend their daytime hours
  indoors. There is a substantial body of evidence,
  however, that points to the unhealthiness of this
  way of life, removed as it is from the bounties
  of Nature. To correct this deficiency, an
  increasing number of people are turning to
  eco-therapy to reconnect to the natural world.
  Lets look closer at eco-therapy and its varied
  benefits.

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• The term "ecotherapy" can be traced to Howard
  Clinebell, (1922-2005), a Methodist minister who
  wrote extensively on religion and psychotherapy.
• Clinebells 1996 book Ecotherapy Healing
  Ourselves, Healing the Earth discussed the role
  of nature in the formation of the human
  personality.
• In essence, ecotherapy involves experiencing
  nature through various outdoor activities.

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• A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology
  and Community Health (2009) revealed that people
  who live close to natural environments tend to be
  healthier than those who do not.
• Urban dwellers were found to score relatively
  high on scales measuring depression, anxiety, and
  other conditions.1
• In fact, the health problems associated with
  alienation from nature are much more diverse than
  youd probably suspect.

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• Exposure to sunlight allows the skin to
  synthesize vitamin D. This method of vitamin D
  absorption is considered preferable to dietary
  pill supplements.
• Many people, however, simply don't spend enough
  time outdoorsthis can result in vitamin D
  deficiency.
• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a wide
  array of health problems, including metabolic
  disorders, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

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• Another affliction that can be traced to our
  urban living is depression. Seasonal affective
  disorder (SAD) strikes many people during the
  winter months when sunlight is scarce.
• A UK study conducted in 2007 discovered that a
  simple walk in the countryside alleviated
  depression in no less than 71 of afflicted
  individuals who participated.2

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• Studies published in the Journal of Environmental
  Psychology (June 2010) found that people get an
  energy boost by being outside in a natural
  environment for as little as 20 minutes. Being
  "in touch with nature in this way also enhances
  resistance to illness.
• The study's lead author, psychology professor
  Richard Ryan, concluded that "Nature is fuel for
  the soul.3

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• Many people have trouble getting a good nights
  sleep, and, when this problem becomes chronic, it
  can lead to a host of health issues. What these
  sufferers may not realize is that their indoor
  lifestyles can contribute to their inability to
  snooze.
• Human sleep patterns are governed by a biological
  process known as the circadian rhythm, which is
  associated with the day/night cycle. Staying
  inside all the time has a habit of throwing off
  circadian rhythms, disrupting sleep patterns.

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• Air pollution has been grabbing headlines for
  years, but most people dont know that the air
  they breathe indoors is often far more unhealthy.
  
• In fact, indoor pollutants can be up to 100 times
  worse than what you encounter outdoors, and, in
  the long term, this can contribute to heart and
  lung problems.4
• Ecotherapy allows its practitioners to get away
  from their polluted houses and offices to enjoy
  the comforts of nature.

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• Founded in 1965, Papillon Helicopters is the
  world's largest and oldest aerial sightseeing
  company. Papillon escorts around 600,000
  passengers each year on helicopter tours of the
  Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. The
  company is a member of the Tour Operators Program
  of Safety (TOPS).

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Sources

• 1. http//www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_ar
  ticles.asp?id1680
• 2. http//www.webmd.com/balance/features/nature-th
  erapy-ecotherapy
• 3. http//www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id3639
• 4. http//appalachiantrials.com/scientifically-sup
  ported-reasons-get-outside/