Title: Nature-Based Interventions in Health & Wellness
Course: Nature & Human Wellness eeCourse > Section: Module 4: Leveraging our Interconnection: Strategies & Implementation

Nature-based Interventions

Nature-based interventions refer to approaches that incorporate interactions with nature (such as outdoor activities, exposure to natural environments, gardening, etc.) to promote improved physical, mental, and social health and well-being (Shanahan et. al., 2019).

These interventions are gaining attention as complementary strategies to conventional healthcare, aiming to harness the healing power of nature for improved health outcomes. In this section, we’ll learn more about two specific case studies working to improve outcomes in physical and mental health through working with nature.

TASK: Review at least the abstract in the following published paper: "Nature-Based Interventions for Improving Health & Wellbeing: The Purpose, the People and the Outcomes"

Promoting Nature Prescriptions for Physical Health

TASK: Learn about a creative initiative working to connect the medical field with the abundance of health benefits associated with nature by promoting “Nature Prescriptions” for health and well-being. Read this article to learn more about this initiative, Improving Health Outcomes with Nature Prescriptions.

Nature Supports Mental Health Practices

Mental health practitioners are increasingly recognizing the therapeutic benefits of nature and incorporating nature-based interventions into their practice to improve health outcomes(Cooley et. al., 2020). This shift is driven by the growing evidence supporting the claim that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while promoting overall well-being. Mental health professionals are incorporating ecotherapy, wilderness therapy, and nature-based mindfulness practices into treatment plans, offering alternatives to traditional therapies that harness the healing power of nature.

TASK: Read this article to learn more about this trend, and how mental health modalities can be improved by incorporating nature and outdoor settings: “Therapists Trade the Couch for the Great Outdoors”

Journal Reflection

In your course journal on your own time, please reflect on the following questions:

- Now that you have explored the benefits of nature on learning outcomes, how outdoor learning and the greening of schools improves wellness, and trends toward adding nature experiences as therapeutic strategies, reflect on the following in this journal:
  - How has time in nature changed in your life/community since you were a young child in school?
  - How are you witnessing changes in educational approaches that include outdoor learning/nature connections?
  - How can your students connect with nature no matter their zip code; ie. How can students benefit from the natural world no matter where they live?