How long has it been since you took a walk around the countryside? The modern world has caused a increasing distance between human beings and nature. And, although you are not aware of it in your daily life, this distance has significant consequences for your physical and mental health. For example, did you know that, according to studies, urban planners are more likely to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression or to suffer more cardiovascular problems or obesity? For this reason, we invite you to practice ecotherapy, a technique with which you can access the benefits of being in contact with nature.

What is ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy, also known as green therapy, is a therapeutic practice that uses nature as a means to promote health and well-being. It is based on the premise that the interaction with the natural environment It has positive effects for the mind and body, based on the innate relationship between human beings and the rural environment. Hence the widespread idea that “life is better in the countryside.”

Originated in Japan With the practice of "shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing", ecotherapy has spread throughout the world. Although this bond between people and the land is ancestral, Its popularization dates back to the 90s of the last century, with the publication of The voice of the Earth, by Theodere Roszac, father of Ecopsychology. And today, there are even countries, like Canada, where doctors can prescribe their patients to “spend more time in nature.”

What benefits does being in contact with nature bring?

Keep in mind that continued interaction with green spaces can become the solution to many of your physical and mental problems. What are the benefits of being in contact with nature?

1. Stress reduction. Numerous studies have shown that ecotherapy reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thus improving mood and relaxation and strengthening the ability to fight frustration. And the best thing is that with only 20 minutes of immersion in nature you will notice the effects.
2. Mental health. Spending time outdoors is also associated with a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety. In this sense, a investigation from Stanford University revealed that a 90-minute walk in nature can reduce activity in areas of the brain linked to these mental illnesses.
3. Elderly sleep quality. It is not surprising that with low cortisol levels and an optimal mood, contact with nature also plays a key role in regulating sleep cycles. Don't you have the feeling that you achieve a deeper and more restful rest after a day among trees and animals?
4. Increased creativity. Contact with nature can also improve cognitive function and increase creativity. Disconnection from technology and the urban environment allows the mind to relax and flow freely. This was shown by another study from the University of Utah, which included greater mental acuity among the benefits of being in contact with nature.
5. Increased school performance. This improvement of brain functions It is especially important in children and adolescents, where the benefits of being in contact with nature translate into greater academic performance. Thus, the research suggest that ecotherapy in minors increases their response capacity, memory and concentration, mitigates hyperactivity and promotes psychomotor and sensory development.
6. Fostering social connection. Along with this, activities in nature, such as hiking or community gardening, encourage social connections and reduce feelings of isolation. Even if you go alone, since that bond with the earth makes us more empathetic and altruistic, as another has discovered investigation.
7. Strengthening the immune system. But the benefits of being in contact with nature also occur on the physical level. For example, exposure to phytoncides, chemical compounds released by plants, can increase NK cell activity, essential to combat infections and cancers.
8. Reduction of blood pressure. Studies have revealed that being in contact with nature can lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
9. Strengthening the respiratory system. Do you have asthma or allergies? Natural environments also have a positive impact on your respiratory well-being.
10. Benefits for vision. Even your vision is affected by the benefits of being in contact with nature. Did you know that for every additional hour a child spends outdoors, their risk of developing myopia increases? is reduced by up to 2%?

How to practice ecotherapy?

In short, many times there is no better 'medicine' than enjoying nature. And to achieve all these benefits of being in contact with nature, you don't have to go hugging trees - that also works. Ecotherapy brings together all activities aimed at promoting contact with nature, from a simple walk outdoors to growing your own garden.

For example, you can walk barefoot for the lawn of your house, if you have it, walk through the park closest to your home or get closer to the forest or the beach on sundays. You can also include in your next vacation plans rural getaways with which to reconnect with nature or become fond of sports outdoor, such as climbing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, fishing… horticulture It is also a good form of ecotherapy that not only provides physical activity, but also a sense of achievement and connection with the earth, whether in your own gardens or in small home nurseries. Even if you don't have time for all of the above, fill your house with plants, open the windows to listen to the birds or, in the absence of these, play background music With sounds of nature they will also help you invoke Pachamama.

Finally, What do you think about enjoying the benefits of being in contact with nature while satisfying your palate? At Hacienda Guzmán we open the doors of our farm to offer you a unique experience of connection with nature through the olive grove and the production of olive oil. Through our oil tourism programs you can tour our olive library, participate in oil tastings and learn about the production of organic EVOO while you immerse yourself in a natural and peaceful environment. Book your visit!