Let’s dig into some theories before we see the prescription!
- Attention Restoration theory(1):
This theory proposes that if you spend an adequate amount of time in natural settings you can restore attention and cognitive functions which have been fatigued from prolonged exposure to dopamine!
Directed attention à fatigued à Restored by effortless attention
- Stress reduction theory(2):
As you may have heard, nature is an antidepressant, but also plays a role in reducing cortisol, blood pressure, activate parasympathetic nervous system, thereby bringing body-mind balance.
- Ecopsychology (3):
It suggests that reconnection with nature helps in healing and a sense of belonging.
It helps one come out of nature deficiency (Nature Deficit Disorder) (4)
📃Prescription from my perspective:
You come from earth and go back to earth. So why do you need earth?
Because You are Earth🌍!
So, it never was you taking leave for a peaceful trip across countryside or in the meadows or mountains or by seaside.
You were, are and always will be nature. So, you need to embrace Her more often than you ever do. Love more, give more and nurture more.
🦋Eyes- see the vibrant colours around you, the leaves, flowers, skies, waters, birds, insects and whatever you find!
🍃Ears- listen to the rustle of the leaves, songs of the birds, splashes of the water.
🌸Smell- the pleasant fragrance of the flowers (do not pluck them), endowed with dew and the mud after a downpour.
🌬️Feel- the texture of the trees (hug is best), the gentle breeze brushing past you.
💦Taste- the fresh morning dew (natures nectar).
🏕️Take a stroll barefoot if possible, feeling every inch of grass beneath you or grounding yourself in the muddy pathways.
Paint, write or listen more, do whatever your heart desires but never harm Her!
Why once a week?
In the busy world, where we barely ‘get time’, give a thought today and please ‘Make time’ for yourself and for the Mother. And you can set your own timelines. But once a week is minimum!
📈Dose-response relationship (5):Studies show 2 hours spent in nature’s abode show increased probability of reporting good health and wellbeing meaning, subjectively it adds on to the quality of life.
She hugs you🫂, ridding you off your worries. And that’s the main point!!
This is not just an article, it’s a summary of my experiences.
References with link:
- Kaplan R, Kaplan S. The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge university press; 1989 Jul 28.
- Ulrich RS. Aesthetic and affective response to natural environment. InBehavior and the natural environment 1983 Aug (pp. 85-125). Boston, MA: Springer US.
- Roszak, T., Gomes, M. E., & Kanner, A. D. (Eds.). (1995). Ecopsychology: Restoring the earth, healing the mind. Sierra Club Books.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1995-97862-000
- Louv, R. (2005). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books. -Review
https://www.nrpa.org/globalassets/journals/schole/2006/schole-volume-21-pp-136-137.pdf
- White MP, Alcock I, Grellier J, Wheeler BW, Hartig T, Warber SL, Bone A, Depledge MH, Fleming LE. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific reports. 2019 Jun 13;9(1):7730.
Written by Dr Shobhitha Tantry B