The Great Barrier Reef

Amidst the relentless pace of modern life, nature remains our ancient sanctuary. It whispers stories of times long past, offering a unique blend of therapy that rejuvenates the spirit and recalibrates the mind. How, you ask? Let’s journey through its global embrace, from the delicate blossoms of Japan to the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps, exploring the science and soul of ecotherapy along the way.

The science behind nature's healing touch

Ecotherapy is more than just a momentary escape. It's a structured immersion in nature that brings myriad benefits. Studies have highlighted several transformative effects:

• Reduced Stress Levels: The serene vistas and the unhurried pace of nature help lower cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone.
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Diverse natural patterns stimulate the mind, improving focus and creativity.
• Elevated Mood: Regular nature walks have been linked to decreased symptoms of depression.
• Strengthened Immunity: Nature contact boosts the production of natural killer cells, vital components of our immune response.

But the pressing question becomes: where can we best seek these healing experiences? Fortunately, our world is brimming with natural wonders, beckoning travellers with their therapeutic embrace.

Nature's global embrace

Pink Reverie in Japan: Sakura season paints Japan in hues of pink, promoting the age-old tradition of "hanami" or flower viewing. This fleeting beauty is a lesson in mindfulness and the ephemerality of life.

New Zealand's Majestic Silence: Fiordland, with its fjords and rainforests, provides a canvas where nature's sounds offer soulful therapy.

Australia’s Marine Marvel: The Great Barrier Reef showcases nature's intricate web, emphasising our interconnectedness with all living beings.

Africa's Timeless Tapestry: The African savannas, vibrant with life from dawn to dusk, ground us, connecting us to Earth's innate rhythms.

Swiss Serenity: Europe's Swiss Alps, whether snow-kissed or bathed in summer green, promise both adventure and tranquillity.

Not far from home: India and Sri Lanka’s Natural Beauty

“In India we are spoilt for choice. The minute you get out of city limits, nature surrounds you. We have everything from the mountains, to the sea, to the desert. There are a lot of little-known places that I would recommend. There’s so many under the radar waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. Uttarakhand is great for the mountains and then there’s the coastal areas of Karnataka, the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha,” says Travel blogger and influencer Shivya Nath.

Venture a little further south, and the emerald isle of Sri Lanka awaits. An uncharted paradise for many, Sri Lanka is more than just pristine beaches and azure waters. The island pulsates with life, offering dense rainforests like Sinharaja where the air is thick with the sweet songs of endemic birds. The cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya present sweeping vistas of tea plantations, while national parks like Yala and Wilpattu are rife with diverse wildlife from leopards to lumbering elephants. Cultural hubs like Kandy resonate with history, their serene lakes and sacred temples providing a spiritual kind of ecotherapy. Whether you're wandering along the untouched shores of Mirissa, or finding solace beneath the forest canopy in Ritigala, Sri Lanka promises a profound connection with nature, a balm for the weary soul seeking rejuvenation.

Travel influencer Tanya Khanijow says, "from the misty Cloud Forests of Costa Rica to Iceland's Blue Lagoon and the striking cliffs of California's Big Sur, the world is brimming with landscapes that rejuvenate. These places have deeply connected me to nature and diverse cultures. While I've visited many, I'm especially excited to explore Iceland and Tanzania soon — they're top on my bucket list for their untouched beauty and allure."

Our duty to nature

As we indulge in nature's therapy, it becomes our duty to protect these havens for the coming generations.

When asked about how urban dwellers can engage in nature therapy, biodiversity ambassador, Dr Anish Andheria asserts, “Nature therapy means different things to different people based on where they are and their exposure. Nature, first of all, is not trees. Nature is not an ocean. Nature is everything that is natural and not dependent on us. Nature is much, much more supreme. In my head, nature therapy means that you spend some time in nature and are conscious of the particular moments that you spend there. It could be a walk that you take every day. It could be a jog or just a run through that kind of environment. Or forest bathing, gardening, or simply spending time in serene landscapes.”

In essence, while we find solace in nature, let's also champion its preservation. After all, the song of the earth must continue, and it's up to us to ensure its melody remains pure.