What in the world is ecotherapy? According to Dr. Veroshk Williams, it’s when a person actively connects the mind and body with nature. A study reported by the CDC found people who experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression increased from 36.4 to 41.5 percent during the pandemic as a result of staying inside doors. As we continue to navigate our fast-paced, plugged-in, Zoom lives, Dr. Williams encourages us to spend time in nature as much as we can. “Ecopsychology is the emotional connection between humans and planet earth. Its quest is to promote a spiritual interconnection with what goes beyond human nature,” says Dr. Williams. The Puerto Rican psychologist notes that ecotherapy is a fusion of ecology and psychology. Understanding that we’ve spent most of our time indoors over the past year, the Afro-Latina medical professional explains how ecotherapy can help us manage anxiety, be more grounded, and become more connected with reality. Spending time outside reduces depression, boosts energy, enhances creativity, and provides you with necessary nutrients like sunlight, improving your mood. Below Dr. William shares how you can integrate ecotherapy practices into your wellness routine. 

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Incorporate mindful outdoor walks. 

Ever tried a meditative walk? It can be a playful and easy way to start or deepen your meditation practice. Try you choosing greener paths that’ll inspire you to keep walking. While on the trail, try to be present and listen to nature sounds instead of listening to music or any other digital audio. This will help increase the benefits of being in touch with nature.

Connect with a pet animal. 

For a long, it has been shown that being around a pet animal reduces stress, promotes wellbeing, and even expands your support circle. It’s true, our fur babies are magical beings when it comes to their unconditional love and support. According to recent studies, 89.7 million dogs provided companionship to human beings in the United States in 2017.

Bring yourself to the wilderness. 

We should all disconnect every so often, including disconnecting from cell phone use and everyday life. Choosing to go camping or experiencing nature connects you with life’s simplicity and automatically lowers anxiety or high-intensity emotions. Being in contact with the elements helps you to reset, recharge, and reconnect.

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Create a garden or bring more plants into your spaces. 

Try planting, caring, and enjoying a garden or plant is therapeutic in all of its forms. It is a mindful activity that helps with grounding. It brings better quality oxygen into your lungs, and by being greener, you get more connected with yourself and feelings of happiness and tranquility. 

Be more sustainable. 

Create more eco-conscious habits in your life, such as reducing waste, reducing plastic consumption, reuse when you can, and being mindful of your household or office water usage. Try integrating at least one new habit per year. Doing this will help you feel connected to a more significant cause and purpose, which becomes motivation, and it enables you to connect with the feeling of having a life purpose.