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Find a way of getting yourself connected with nature - your sanity could depend on it.

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Nature's Rx: a 1984 study found that post-op patients who had a view of trees needed fewer painkillers and had shorter hospital stays.

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home ›   tip library ›   Ecopsychology

Are traffic, concrete and skyscrapers driving you crazy?

The Bite

Maybe. Some doctors believe that a disconnect between people and nature leads to poor mental health. If you are one of the 46 million Americans who make mental health-related doctor's office visits every year, go with what works best for you. But if you like the sound of connecting with the Earth to heal your woes, read on.

The Benefits

  • Ecopsychologists believe that connecting with nature improves mental health. And if everyone makes this connection, we'll all be a lot more conscious of our eco-impact.
  • It really works. A 2004 study found that kids who engaged with nature were less apt to have ADHD symptoms. A U of Michigan study found that people who've got views of nature from home are happier.
  • It's as easy as getting outside - hiking or camping or spending the day on a lake. You know, something other than staring at a computer screen all day (the Bite's employees really have to work on that...).

Personally Speaking

This is a case where we really need to take our own advice. Good thing the Bite team is now equally divided between the Montana and San Francisco offices... lots of motivation to get out and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.

Wanna Try?

Aug 28,2006


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This is such a No-Brainer…or um, a good brainer

In essence, this is why most people just love nature.  It is why they buy a mountain cabin, why they take a beach vacation, why they love to hike or bike outdoors. 

I  will share something here... when I was little I didn't find God in our big fat church with all this 'bling' - but I did in nature.  I really worshiped trees from the moment I can remember being cognizant about spirituality.  I am mean, this beautiful things that give off oxygen, take in carbon dioxide, provide shelter, provide beauty, provide shade... provide a subtle sense of universal strength.

So Eco-Therapy is something that I have been practicing my aware whole life.  I am now on a mission to meditate more outside... and that sure is easier being on Montana...

May you all get some eco-therapy today. The time spent (even basking in the sun and just closing your eyes) will be well worth it.  Promise.  Plus, if we all got more connected to nature, we wouldn't make choices that damage this infinitely invaluable resource - our ecosystem.  (Hmm, ergo I wonder if any Exxon execs leave their office.)

Seriously, am off to get some eco therapy... the Norris Hot springs with Blue Grass! Jen


Biter Comments...
This is such a great topic! Connecting kids to the outdoors is cheap therapy and it refreshing no matter how old you are. The reason I am an environmentalist today is because I was fortunate to go to outdoor education camp for several years while in grade school. If you know a kid who doesn't spend time outside, invite them to take a hike/bike trip/picnic with you. Here's another resource on the benefits of the outdoors on kids. Richard Louv wrote a book called: "Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from nature deficit disorder." http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/03/30/louv/ http://www.thefuturesedge.com/ If you are between the ages of 15 - 85 and want to volunteer in the outdoors check out crews and internships all over the US with SCA. www.theSCA.org Thanks for your daily tips!

Posted by: Ashley | August 28, 2006 at 04:08 AM

I worked in SCA years ago and eventually ended up in The Bob (Montanians will know where this is!). I would recommend it to anyone! More importantly, I realized the value of nature when I took an "indoor-sit-at-a-desk-and-stare-at-a-computer-all-day" job. Now I'm trying to get back in with the Dept. of Natural Resources in my homestate. Just hoping to give fair warning to someone if they are thinking of doing the same - stay "out!" ;)

Posted by: Kathy | August 28, 2006 at 09:39 AM

Some days I just can't escape the office, so I have signed up for weekdays posts from www.morning-earth.org. John Caddy takes beautiful nature photos and ads his commentary- makes me pay close attention to the marvelous world we live in.

Posted by: Melissa | August 28, 2006 at 09:56 AM

Wild Earth Adventures (http://www.wildearthadventures.com), run by Charlie Cook, has been getting New Yorkers out of the city and into the woods for many years. (I've gone on a dozen or so hikes with him.) His book Awakening to Nature makes a strong argument for the mental and spiritual benefits of the outdoors.

Posted by: Geoff | August 28, 2006 at 02:51 PM

I was happy to see the first comment here (by Ashley) covered what I planned to - Richard Louv's book, Last Child in the Woods. It opened my eyes, confirmed things I "knew" but wasn't aware of, and made me into a "nature evangelist" (we need a good term for that - Nature Nazi seems too harsh...). I've been buying multiple copies of the book and giving them to friends, my kids' middle school principal, etc. I think the way many of our kids are being raised, with little direct interaction with nature, is a major problem for their future. Thanks for Biting this - let's have more about it! And eco-therapy is a good, fun new term...

Posted by: Rick | August 28, 2006 at 05:46 PM

Eco-therapy definitely works. I was recently diagnosed with anxiety disorder and started taking medication for it in June. When I went on vacation to Sequoia-Kings Canyon for 4 days in July, my symptoms completely disappeared. They came back as soon as I got back to Southern California (wonder why?)

Posted by: Julie | August 29, 2006 at 06:27 PM

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