The Nature of Coping with Anxiety - Ecotherapy

Mar 04, 2021

Anxiety has an enormous scale; it is something that can oftentimes be very easy to hide, gnawing away at you in your sleep, burning in the back of your mind while trying to get through the day, and resurfacing in the midst of something important. However there are some things that aren't quite as easy to dismiss and anxiety can take its toll. Whether it be nails you've bitten down to nothing, the raw skin around your fingers that you subconsciously pick at, or your leg incessantly tapping under the table every time you have to sit still for more than an hour. Some of us sit on a constant feeling of failure; that we're letting down loved ones, ourselves, or the people we work with, and for some it can be triggered simply by being in social settings. No matter where the problem derives from, there are ways to combat it both in talking to someone, and in allocating time for yourself.

The feeling of being engulfed by anxiety is something that affects many people today, however, we are fortunate in having something so expansive, beautiful, and consoling all around us. One of the most simple and revitalizing ways to cope with this affliction is often right under foot. It can be a daunting task trying to find ways to alleviate anxiety and stress. Regardless of having a full schedule, spending a quick bit of time, whether it be a 15 minute break at work, your lunch period, or any time you're able to spend in the day, stepping outside and catching some fresh air is a wonderfully versatile way to minimize your stress and relax at little to no cost.

Ecotherapy is the concept of spending time outdoors and utilizing nature to alleviate anxiety and depression. Getting a bit of sunshine or putting to use nature's many sources of serotonin has proven to be highly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety as it is known for being the "feel good" chemical of the mind and body. Often times, simply mustering the motivation to get up and out is the most trying part. Whether you're enticed by the silence in the woods, being able to hear the blood rush in your head when you stop and stand motionless, or the thrill and sense of accomplishment in going on a 15 mile hike, there are countless things to do in solitude or in good company spending time with nature. Some of us enjoy setting up a hammock or a blanket and reading under a canopy of trees with bits of sun breaking through, while others enjoy setting down the river in a kayak or a canoe and reveling in nature with a different perspective. No matter the draw, the outdoors has a plethora of activities to put one more at ease. Not only is spending time outdoors a beautiful way to show yourself some peace of mind, it's a wildly good thing for your spirits.