How long does it take to get a dose of nature high enough to make people say they feel healthy and have a strong sense of well-being?
Precisely 120 minutes.
Safe & Sound Therapeutics will soon be offering sessions based in nature, where you can enjoy your session outside in a special, safe place. Stay tuned for more details.
JUST TWO HOURS A WEEK
In a study of 20,000 people, a team led by Matthew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter, found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces — local parks or other natural environments, either all at once or spaced over several visits — were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who don’t.
Two hours was the threshold: The study, published last June, showed there were no benefits for people who did not meet that threshold.
“It’s well-known that getting outdoors in nature can be good for people’s health and well-being, but until now we’ve not been able to say how much is enough,” White said. “Two hours a week is hopefully a realistic target for many people, especially given that it can be spread over an entire week to get the benefit.”
ANTIDOTE FOR STRESS
These studies have shown that time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
Bill Plotkin, a pioneer in ecopsych therapy and experiences has written many books on our connection with nature and the healing affects and awakenings that occur while in nature.
SOULCRAFT
Plotkin’s book, Soulcraft is a modern handbook for these types of journeys. In this book he introduces many nature based practices to initiate and activate learning through nature.
As I studied to obtain my Master degree in transpersonal psychology we did a whole semester immersed in ecotherapy, where we were invited to learn about and experience the benefits of nature and how it catalyzes our awakening to self and embodying our highest potential.
Safe & Sound Therapeutics will soon be offering sessions based in nature, where you can enjoy your session outside in a special, safe place. Stay tuned for more details.
shauna paynter
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