Recently, I came across a truly inspiring book called Ekopsychiatria. Jak bliskość natury wspiera naszą psychikę (Ecopsychiatry: How Closeness to Nature Supports Our Psyche). Written in Polish, it delves into the profound connection between nature and mental health. Though it’s not available in English, I felt its message was too important not to share.
This book isn’t just about mental health; it’s about rediscovering something we’ve lost in the hustle of modern life, our bond with the natural world. It reminded me that healing ourselves and caring for the environment go hand in hand.
What Is Ecopsychiatry?
Ecopsychiatry is the study of how connecting with nature can improve mental health. It’s based on a simple but powerful idea: humans aren’t separate from the natural world, we’re part of it. When we distance ourselves from nature, we lose an essential part of who we are, and our mental health can suffer.
The book explores how spending time outdoors can lower stress, lift our moods, and improve our thinking and focus. It also challenges us to see the bigger picture: our well-being is tied to the planet's health.
The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Power
The book highlights fascinating scientific research showing just how much nature supports our mental health:
The Biophilia Hypothesis
The Biophilia Hypothesis, coined by biologist E.O. Wilson, suggests that humans have an inherent, biologically ingrained connection to nature. This deep-rooted bond developed over millennia as early humans evolved in natural environments. It’s not just a preference for nature, but a survival mechanism: our ancestors thrived in environments where they were closely linked to the land, plants, and animals. Modern research supports this, showing that being in nature or surrounded by natural elements has a calming effect on the human psyche. This connection can trigger a sense of safety, which lowers stress and boosts overall mood.
In today’s fast-paced world, our disconnection from nature often leads to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of emptiness. The Biophilia Hypothesis explains why spending time in natural settings, whether it’s a walk through a park, a hike in the woods, or even having houseplants - makes us feel better. Nature has the unique ability to reset our minds, reduce cortisol levels, and restore our emotional balance, helping to foster a greater sense of well-being.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest and consciously engaging with its atmosphere. This concept goes beyond just a walk in the woods; it’s about fully absorbing the sensory experience of the forest—whether through the smell of the trees, the sound of rustling leaves, or the sight of sunlight filtering through the branches. Developed in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing is now widely recognized for its significant health benefits.
Numerous studies have shown that forest bathing can lower blood pressure, reduce levels of cortisol (a hormone produced in response to stress), and even boost immune function. It has been demonstrated that just a few hours spent in a forest setting can result in marked improvements in both physical and mental health. Forest environments are particularly effective in reducing stress because they promote a feeling of serenity and disconnection from daily worries. This sense of tranquillity has both immediate and long-lasting benefits on mood and mental clarity.
I have more details on the benefits of forest bathing in this blog post. Check it out!
Restorative Environments
Restorative environments are spaces - natural or designed, that facilitate recovery from mental fatigue. According to the "Attention Restoration Theory" (ART), first proposed by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, nature provides the ideal setting for mental recovery. In our busy, distraction-filled lives, we often experience mental fatigue due to constant demands for focus and decision-making. Over time, this can lead to burnout, reduced creativity, and mental exhaustion.
Nature, however, offers an environment where our brains can recover without exerting much effort. The gentle stimuli of nature, such as the sounds of birds, the colours of flowers, or the patterns in clouds, are inherently calming and don’t require active focus. They allow the brain to shift from the intense focus needed in daily life to a more relaxed, restorative state. As a result, time spent in nature can enhance cognitive function, improve concentration, and refresh creativity, helping individuals feel more energized and capable when returning to work or other tasks.
Nature Deficit Disorder
Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD), a term coined by author Richard Louv in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods, refers to the growing sense of disconnection from the natural world. Louv suggests that this disconnect is contributing to a variety of mental and physical health issues, particularly among children. NDD is not a medical diagnosis but rather a term that describes the psychological and emotional struggles that arise when we spend too much time indoors or in environments that are disconnected from nature.
Symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder include increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, depression, and a general feeling of isolation or disconnection from the world. With children spending more time on screens and in urban environments, the effects are particularly noticeable in young people. However, adults aren’t immune to the consequences of nature deprivation either. Many people experience similar symptoms of stress, mental fatigue, and emotional imbalance. By reintroducing natural elements into our daily lives, such as through outdoor activities or even adding greenery to our homes, we can reduce the negative effects of NDD and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. For more tips on how to reintroduce nature into your children's lives, check out Marta's post on nature-based activities you can enjoy together.
A Personal Journey Toward Nature
Since moving from Dublin to rural Co. Wicklow almost five years ago, I’ve felt more connected to nature, and the topics in the book resonated with me. I’ve always felt calm walking through forests like the Vale of Clara or listening to the waves at the beach, but this book reminded me that those feelings aren’t just in my head, they’re supported by science.
I was already familiar with forest bathing and the Biophilia Hypothesis, but the book introduced me to even more aspects of our connection to nature, such as restorative environments and Nature Deficit Disorder. It explained how spending time in natural settings helps our brains recover from mental fatigue and how a lack of connection to nature can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
What stood out to me was how small changes can make a big difference. Adding some plants to my home or taking mindful walks in the park has already brought more balance to my day. The book showed me that simple ways to connect with nature, whether it’s a quiet moment in the forest or bringing nature inside, can have real benefits for our well-being. Reconnecting with nature is truly a simple and effective way to improve our lives.
Practical Ways to Reconnect with Nature
What’s beautiful about the ideas in Ekopsychiatria is how easy they are to apply. You don’t need to climb a mountain or travel far to feel the benefits of nature. Here are a few suggestions:
Take a Daily Walk: A short stroll in a park, garden, or even a tree-lined street can clear your mind and lift your spirits.
Notice the Small Things: Spend a few minutes observing the details of the natural world, a pattern on a leaf, the sound of birds, or the smell of rain.
Bring Nature Indoors: Add houseplants to your space or keep a vase of fresh flowers on your table.
The book also emphasizes the importance of creating greener cities, supporting community gardens, and teaching kids about nature. These changes not only improve mental health but also build stronger, more connected communities.
Why It Matters
The message of the book is clear: nature isn’t just a background to our lives - it’s essential for our health and happiness. As we face growing stress and disconnection in our modern world, reconnecting with the natural world can be a powerful remedy.
I wanted to share these ideas because they’ve inspired me to look at nature not just as a place to visit but as something that’s part of who we are. Whether it’s a hike in the woods or simply sitting under a tree, spending time in nature is a small step with big rewards.
Ready to explore this further? Join our mindful hikes and forest bathing events this year. Together, we’ll experience the healing power of nature and discover how small moments in the natural world can bring calm and clarity to our lives.
References
Ekopsychiatria. Jak bliskość natury wspiera naszą psychikę (Ecopsychiatry. How Closeness to Nature Supports Our Psyche) by Dr. Ewa Jarczewska-Gerc, Dr. Małgorzata Okruszek, Dr. Małgorzata Wrzosek, Dr. Katarzyna Ławniczak, and Dr. Beata Sierżant. Published by Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.
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