Peace of Mind, Powered by Nature

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the demand for mental health support is greater than ever, as the pressures of modern life lead to increasing stress and anxiety. Mental health is fundamental to overall well-being and essential for maintaining good health (Bratman et al., 2019). In 2019, mental health disorders were the seventh leading cause of disease burden worldwide (Pienkowski et al., 2024). As a result, many individuals are seeking effective ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. One powerful solution that has been gaining attention in recent years is spending time in nature, which has been shown to offer numerous mental health benefits.

Benefits of connecting with nature

Spending time in nature has numerous psychological and mental health benefits, as supported by many studies. It has a soothing effect, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In today’s fast-paced world, where people spend countless hours in noisy, polluted cities, reconnecting with nature provides a much-needed escape. It allows individuals to slow down, reflect, and re-establish a sense of balance with both themselves and the natural world. Engaging in outdoor activities like walking, running, kayaking, and hiking further enhances well-being, benefiting both mental and physical health. Exposure to nature also boosts energy levels, uplifts mood, and fosters positive emotions. Additionally, it contributes to better sleep, as fresh air and physical activity help regulate sleep patterns. Beyond benefits, experiencing the beauty of nature cultivates a deeper appreciation for the environment. Recognizing the gifts nature provides encourages people to protect it, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Ultimately, embracing nature is a simple yet powerful way to nurture both our minds and the planet (American Psychological Association, 2020 · Bratman, 2019 ·  Moriki et al., 2018 · Pienkowski et al., 2024).

Tourism as way to connect with nature

Nowadays, there is an increasing need for people to engage with forms of tourism that allow for a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. Tourism has been increasingly linked to well-being, with research highlighting its role in enhancing psychological states and quality of life. Nature-based tourism, in particular, has been shown to improve mental well-being while fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Drawing on eco-psychology, scholars suggest that outdoor adventure activities not only contribute to emotional well-being but also encourage environmental responsibility. Rather than being a fixed state, well-being is seen as shaped by interaction with both people and nature, emphasizing the importance of tourism as a means of connecting with the natural world (Hanna et al., 2019 ·  Moriki et al., 2018).

Therefore, more destinations are recognizing the positive effects of outdoor experiences on mental health. That is why nature tourism is frequently promoted as a means of improving well-being, emphasizing the restorative effects of spending time in natural environments (Buckley & Cooper, 2022). Whether it’s hiking in national parks, kayaking, or practicing yoga on a remote beach, the tourism industry is offering a variety of nature-centered experiences that cater to those looking to reduce stress and improve their mental health.

Unique Outdoor Activities for Well-being

A good example is forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, a wellness practice that originated in Japan in the 1980’s, encouraging individuals to immerse themselves in forest environments to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The practice has gained popularity, especially among city dwellers, due to its proven mental and physical health benefits. Studies suggest that spending time in forests can lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and improve mood and energy levels, largely due to the natural compounds released by trees. While deeply rooted in Japanese culture, forest bathing has now expanded to other parts of the world, with guided experiences offered in scenic destinations worldwide (Japan National Tourism Organization, n.d.). 

ECOROUTES and Well-being

The ECOROUTES project encourages sustainable travel, offering a valuable opportunity to reconnect with nature and improve mental well-being. Engaging in eco-friendly activities reduces stress, enhances mood, and fosters mindfulness. As urbanization limits access to green spaces, ECOROUTES provides a bridge between people and restorative landscapes, promoting outdoor activities that benefit both individuals and the environment. By preserving natural and cultural heritage, the project not only supports ecological sustainability but also ensures that future generations can continue to experience the mental health benefits of being immersed in nature.

References: 

American Psychological Association. (2020, April 1). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature 

Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., Folke, C., Frumkin, H., Gross, J. J., Hartig, T., Kahn, P. H., Jr, Kuo, M., Lawler, J. J., Levin, P. S., Lindahl, T., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Mitchell, R., Ouyang, Z., Roe, J., Scarlett, L., … Daily, G. C. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science advances, 5(7), eaax0903. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903 

Buckley, R. C., & Cooper, M. A. (2022). Tourism as a Tool in Nature-Based Mental Health: Progress and Prospects Post-Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13112. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013112 

Hanna, P., Wijesinghe, S., Paliatsos, I., Walker, C., Adams, M., & Kimbu, A. (2019). Active engagement with nature: outdoor adventure tourism, sustainability, and wellbeing. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(9), 1355–1373. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1621883 

Japan National Tourism Organization. (n.d.). Forest bathing. Japan Travel. Retrieved [date], from https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/forest-bathing/

Moriki, E., Petreniti, V., Marini, K., & Skanavis, C. (2018, September). Connectedness to nature as a factor influencing well-being: implications on nature-centered tourism. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Islands Tourism, Palermo, Italy (pp. 142-151). Retrieved from Connectedness-to-nature-as-a-factor-influencing-well-being-implications-on-nature-centered-tourism.pdf

Pienkowski, T., Keane, A., Booth, H., Kinyanda, E., Fisher, J. C., Lawrance, E., … & Milner-Gulland, E. J. (2024). Nature’s contributions to social determinants of mental health and the role of conservation. One Earth, 7(7), 1213-1227. 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.05.004