After over a year in a pandemic, the focus on protecting our mental and physical health is at an all-time high. As we look for inventive ways to keep happy and healthy, healthcare practitioners all over the world are starting to recognize the holistic benefits of a new style of treatment: Nature therapy.
Also called ecotherapy, nature therapy is simply the practice of spending time in nature to enrich health and wellness. Today, doctors in countries around the world are prescribing nature therapy to their patients, including doctors in 34 U.S. states. According to the British Columbia nature therapy program Park Prescriptions (PaRx), this new type of therapy boasts a long list of health benefits for both children and adults, including:
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
• Increased memory, creativity, and work satisfaction, and more!
Luckily, a prescription isn’t actually necessary to start reaping the rewards of nature therapy. All you need is to find some green space near you and make a daily commitment to get yourself outside.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of spending time in nature, or if you’re just looking for an audiobook to accompany you on your adventure, we’ve collected some titles for you below. Or, click here to check out the full nature therapy booklist.
Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life by Richard Louv, narrated by Barry Abrams
Publisher Summary:
Vitamin N is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive, and practical guidebook for the whole family and the wider community, including tips not only for parents eager to share nature with their kids but also for those seeking nature-smart schools, medical professionals, and even careers. It is a dose of pure inspiration, reminding us that looking up at the stars or taking a walk in the woods is as exhilarating as it is essential, at any age.
Read more and sample the audio →
Nature Is Nurture: Counseling and the Natural World by Megan E. Delaney, narrated by Wendy Tremont King
Publisher Summary:
Nature Is Nurture provides an overview of the theoretical concepts and empirical bases of ecotherapy via historical considerations and recent research within the discipline. Chapters share practical ways to incorporate ecotherapy with children, adults, and veteran populations; within schools; and in group work. Descriptions of modalities such as animal-assisted, equine-assisted, horticultural, forest-bathing, green-exercise, and adventure-based therapy are also included alongside case examples, techniques, and practical and ethical considerations.
Read more and sample the audio →
Forest Therapy: Seasonal Ways to Embrace Nature for a Happier You by Sarah Ivens, narrated by Moira Quirk
Publisher Summary:
Forest Therapy offers practical steps and inspiration to tap into nature’s restorative power, no matter the season or the weather. Chapters address ideas for all four seasons, as well as ways to use experiences in nature as ways to deepen your relationships with your children, partner, and friends. Ivens‘s creative ideas and strategies range from a simple walk in the woods and countryside couples’ therapy to DIY natural beauty products and simple ways to bring the great outdoors into your home.
Read more and sample the audio →
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv, narrated by Jonathan Hogan
Publisher Summary:
New York Times and Washington Post contributor Richard Louv is the widely respected author of seven previous books. In Last Child in the Woods, Louv illustrates how the alienation of today’s children from nature can lead to a host of childhood disorders-and he offers effective methods for healing this rift.
Read more and sample the audio →
The Secret Therapy of Trees: Harness the Healing Energy of Forest Bathing and Natural Landscapes by Marco Nieri & Marco Mencagli, narrated by Robert Fass
Publisher Summary:
In The Secret Therapy of Trees, Marco Mencagli and Marco Nieri explore the relationship between plants and organisms, and illustrate how to benefit from nature’s positive impact on our psychological and physical well-being.
Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in the history of our evolution. And yet, we have less contact with green space now than ever, and our stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high. The Secret Therapy of Trees helps us rediscover the restorative value of our natural environment and presents the science behind green therapies like forest bathing and bioenergetic landscapes, explaining which are the most effective and how to put them into practice to achieve the best possible results.
Read more and sample the audio →
Related Articles
• 12 Audiobooks to Help You Start Fresh
• Screen-free Entertainment: Fun Audiobooks for Kids
New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!
No Responses | Leave a Comment