Understanding Nature Therapy: A Definition and Historical Context

Nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, is broadly understood as the practice of being in nature to improve psychological and physiological health . It involves intentional interactions with ecological resources—such as parks, forests, beaches, and gardens—to promote well-being . While simply spending time outdoors is undeniably beneficial, formal nature therapy often implies a more structured approach. This can include programs guided by trained professionals, such as therapists or forest guides, who help individuals engage with the natural world as part of a therapeutic process . The concept is not new; it has deep roots in ancient medical systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which have long emphasized the interconnectedness between humans and nature . However, modern scientific inquiry into these effects began in earnest in the 1970s, and today, a robust and growing body of research supports what many cultures have known for centuries: nature has a profound capacity to heal .

The Multifaceted Mental Health Benefits

The most compelling evidence for nature therapy lies in its impact on mental health. A substantial body of research demonstrates that exposure to natural environments can lead to significant improvements in emotional states. For instance, a 2024 study from researchers in Quebec found that schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 with significant mental health problems who spent just two hours a week in a natural environment experienced reduced emotional distress. Teachers reported that these children were calmer and more attentive in class, with the most pronounced behavioral changes observed in those struggling with depression, anxiety, and impulsivity .

This effect extends strongly into adult populations as well. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2025 examined nature-based health interventions (NBHIs) for individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or experiencing stress. The findings suggested small to large improvements in mental health, with standardized mean changes indicating significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores after participation in NBHIs . Another study focusing on depressed patients in psychosomatic rehabilitation found that a mindfulness- and relaxation-based nature intervention led to greater increases in positive affect and greater decreases in negative affect compared to standard treatment alone. These benefits, while slightly reduced after three months, remained significant, demonstrating the durability of the intervention’s impact . Even for those without a clinical diagnosis, everyday encounters with elements of nature, such as birds and their songs, are associated with improved mood and reduced negative feelings, highlighting the universal accessibility of these benefits .

The Underlying Mechanisms: Why Nature Heals

Researchers have proposed several interconnected theories to explain why time in nature has such a positive effect on our minds. One prominent idea is Attention Restoration Theory (ART) , which suggests that natural environments are inherently fascinating and hold our attention effortlessly (a state called “soft fascination”). This allows our directed attention—which can become mentally fatigued from prolonged focus on work or urban stimuli—to rest and replenish . Simultaneously, Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) posits that exposure to nature triggers a physiological shift away from the “fight-or-flight” stress response. Being in a non-threatening natural setting promotes relaxation, lowering blood pressure, reducing feelings of anxiety, and normalizing physiological stress markers .

Recent neuroscientific research provides compelling biological evidence for these theories. A 2025 study using portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) found that a 10-minute stay in a natural environment, compared to an urban one, led to decreased spontaneous neural activity in the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) . The PFC is a brain region heavily involved in regulating negative emotions and social stress. The researchers suggest that nature may reduce the strain on these circuits, offering a neural basis for the improved mood and reduced negative affect reported by participants. Importantly, this effect was observed across both healthy individuals and those with major depression, suggesting that the therapeutic potential of nature is robust and accessible even to those with significant mental health challenges .

The Role of Nature Connectedness and Emotion Regulation

Beyond simple exposure, the quality of our relationship with nature—known as “nature connectedness”—plays a crucial role in mental well-being. This concept, rooted in E.O. Wilson’s Biophilia Hypothesis, proposes that humans have an innate, evolutionarily-determined affinity for the natural world and other living organisms, and that our psychological health is partly dependent on maintaining this connection . Research has shown that people who feel more connected to nature experience more positive affect, vitality, and life satisfaction .

A 2026 study published in the International Journal of Wellbeing delved deeper into the mechanisms behind this, revealing that nature exposure and nature connectedness facilitate improved mental well-being by promoting adaptive emotion regulation strategies . Specifically, the study found that greater exposure to nature and a stronger feeling of connectedness to it were both related to more frequent use of cognitive reappraisal—a healthy strategy where individuals change the way they think about a situation to alter its emotional impact . This suggests that time in nature doesn’t just make us feel good in the moment; it may also train our brains to manage stress and negative emotions more effectively in the long run.

From Theory to Practice: Forms of Nature-Based Interventions

Nature therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it encompasses a wide variety of practices tailored to different needs and contexts . Some of the most well-researched and practiced forms include:

• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) : Originating in Japan, this involves slowly and mindfully immersing oneself in the atmosphere of a forest, engaging all the senses to promote relaxation and reduce stress .
• Horticultural Therapy: This involves engaging with plants and gardening activities. It can range from planting seeds and weeding to simply spending time in a garden, and has been shown to improve mood and reduce agitation, particularly in individuals with dementia .
• Green Exercise: This refers to physical activity undertaken in natural environments, such as walking, cycling, or jogging in a park. The combination of exercise and nature exposure can have synergistic effects on mental well-being .
• Wilderness and Adventure Therapy: Often targeted at young adults or veterans, these programs involve immersive experiences in the wilderness, incorporating team-building exercises and survival skills to build confidence, overcome negative beliefs, and improve communication .
• Animal-Assisted Therapy: Interacting with animals, whether walking a dog, grooming a horse in equine therapy, or spending time on a care farm, can provide comfort, reduce stress, and facilitate social interaction .

The Emerging Role of “Nature Prescriptions”

The strength of the evidence linking nature to health has led to a growing movement to formally integrate it into healthcare. Around the world, some physicians are beginning to write “nature prescriptions” or “green prescriptions,” specifying the frequency, duration, and type of outdoor activity a patient should do . This approach is being explored for a range of conditions. A 2025 review in a Dutch medical journal noted that while observational research links greener living environments to lower rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes, experimental studies are now suggesting a causal relationship . Engaging in nature-based activities appears to alleviate symptoms in individuals with mental health issues, and shows promising effects on physical health predictors like blood pressure . For neurological disorders, such as dementia, researchers have also argued for the potential of “Nature Prescriptions” as an accessible, cheap, and harmless way to improve quality of life, mood, and cognitive function .

Practical Applications and Inclusivity of Nature Therapy

One of the most appealing aspects of nature therapy is its accessibility. The benefits of nature do not always require a full immersion in remote wilderness; they can be gleaned from everyday encounters. Listening to nature sounds on a playlist, smelling floral scents, viewing greenery through a window, or adding plants to an office space can all provide therapeutic moments . Even in highly urban environments, birds are usually abundant, and studies have shown that watching them or just listening to their songs is associated with immediate and lasting improvements in mental well-being .

It is also a versatile approach suitable for a wide range of people. It can be particularly helpful for those experiencing high stress, burnout, or the mental fatigue of a technology-saturated lifestyle . Research suggests it is effective for children with behavioral issues , adults with depression and anxiety , and even individuals with major depressive disorder, whose symptoms do not seem to impair their ability to gain affective benefits from nature . While generally considered safe, it is important for participants to take practical precautions, such as dressing for the weather, using sun protection and insect repellent, and staying hydrated, especially during more immersive sessions .

In conclusion, nature therapy represents a powerful, evidence-based adjunct to conventional healthcare. By understanding the psychological, physiological, and neurological mechanisms at play, we can appreciate that the simple act of spending time outdoors is a potent intervention for the mind. Whether through a structured program like forest bathing or simply making a conscious effort to notice the birds in a city park, reconnecting with the natural world is a vital and accessible pathway to greater happiness and well-being.