Research on the Healing Power of Nature

Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, creativity and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety (MentalHealth.org.uk). It is therefore a powerful complement to counseling. We've compiled some helpful links and resources for you on this topic.

Stanford Researchers Find Mental Health Prescription: Nature (2015) :

https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTzl_AHCmho

This is Your Brain on Nature, National Geographic (2016): 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/01/call-to-wild/

The Nurture of Nature: Natural Settings and Their Mental Health Benefits (2013)

http://www.moodwalks.ca/about-mood-walks/the-nurture-of-nature-natural-settings-and-their-mental-health-benefits/

Wilderness Therapy: What is it and how it works (2016)

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/wilderness-therapy

HelpGuide.Org https://helpguide.org/