Ecopsychology is a new developing approach to psychology. It talks about the positive interrelation between nature and human being’s psychological health.
Ever wondered why these trips to an isolated lake, an underdeveloped hill station or camping in the woods and beaches make you so relaxed and at peace?
Ecopsychology validates it by emphasising on the fact that we have evolved from nature, we are deeply connected to nature and our natural surroundings. When our psyche is in sync with the natural environment, it leads us to a healthy and a balanced mental state. This approach to psychology is very interesting as it talks about all the dynamics of human behavioural studies in a very uncomplicated way.
Richard Louv coined the term nature deficit disorder in his book called ‘Last Child in the Woods’ in 2005 which expresses that children spend less time outdoors which is resulting in many mental and behavioral problems.
Ecotherapy or nature therapy, includes counseling, group activities, meditation etc in any natural environment (it could be a park or your terrace garden too), helping you to spend more time with the mother creator..
Most studies show that an average person spends eight hours screen time everyday resulting in depression, stress, anxiety even concentration difficulties in early developmental stages along with numerous social and physical problems.
Nature therapy encourages the connection between us and our origins, helping us to concentrate better, get our brain to work at a more relaxed frequency and gain a better control of our holistic health. Nature therapy is also said to be very effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression and ADHD in children and adults.
As most of us know that when we are a little bit out of our comfort zone, our brain is at its peak of learning. Ecopsychology is a field providing individuals new experiences and an emotional insight through its unconventional techniques in therapy. Giving us an opportunity to expand our knowledge and learn more effectively.
There have been many creative attempts to make people come out of their concrete cages. Some of these were the invention of Geocatching and Pokemon Go games. Which still could not prioritize or seperate the technological aspect of life from feeling and paying attention to our natural environment.
Ecopsychology is a brilliant approach to help people come out of their biopsychosocial misery.
So if you are stressed or tired of the daily routine and want a once in a six months vacation like relaxation. Go to your terrace and watch the sky for 30mins, while you feel the stress melt away.
Or just find an ecopsychologist!
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