The debate over the influence of heredity and environment on individual qualities has been long-standing. Do our genes have primary control, or does the environment, play a more significant role in determining our individual makeup? Science versus spirit…what’s new?
Well, get this! Studies on eco-healing are revealing some pretty exciting results. Turns out, spending time in nature can restore balance, harmony, and contentment. Pretty awesome if you consider the large number of dollars spent on medical and mental health care. In fact, for depression alone, Americans spend more than 86 billion dollars a year on antidepressants!
Here is a brief rundown of study findings concerning the positive effects of eco-therapy:
- Decrease in feelings of anxiety and depression
- Increased feeling of calm and well-being
- Increased feelings of self-esteem
- Decrease in use of pharmaceuticals to treat anxiety and depression
Want to learn more? Not long ago I enjoyed a full day of exploration into the world of eco-therapy through the Life Science Foundation. You can read more about eco-therapy and the gifts nature keeps on giving at the Life Science Foundation website at http://tinyurl.com/ckeb6js. Or, find an eco-healing check list at http://tinyurl.com/cvz5gaz.
Now, I think I will go for a walk…
“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.” ~ William Wordsworth
I personally know that I am never more at peace with myself then when I am surrounded by nature…..a walk in the woods is pure heaven for me.
Linda, PLUS nature gives us such great support with grounding our bodies and our energy, SO important. My nature fix today includes raking leaves.
Thank you for your comment Janet. Being close to the earth is definitely grounding and energizing. And leaf raking…very meditative!
Hi Linda, I love nature and am always surprised when I spend more time than usual out there how truly grounding it is for me and it always brings me back to centre. Yesterday I spent the afternoon in another town with my husband near Lake Ontario… it felt amazing to just sit there all afternoon, even sleep/rest for a few hours while I listened to the sounds of the water, the birds… taking in all that fresh air.
I dropped by from Janet Hovde’s website and latest blog post to congratulate you on her awarding you with The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Exciting. Your website is very lovely. 🙂
I just love the picture you have in this post. Nature is so healing and it’s amazing how even gazing at an image can have a healing affect!