If you’ve heard of it, you’ll know that ecotherapy has become more prevalent in everyday life. And while there’s not one definition for ecotherapy, it’s often used to describe a regular group activity led by a professional in an outdoor setting. The thought behind this is that practising relaxing and mentally stimulating activities in a green setting allows you to connect with nature and forget the stresses of modern life. However, you don’t need to join a programme to experience positive mental and physical health benefits; it’s way easier than you think, and you probably already do some without realising it!
Here at Oliver’s Travels, we’re all about finding new ways to improve our health and well-being, while being as eco-friendly as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled our favourite examples of ecotherapy activities that will leave you feeling zen.
Gardening and horticulture
It’s no secret that gardening is a great way to relax. There’s something seriously satisfying about getting your hands dirty and growing delicious produce (tucking into a home-grown salad is more rewarding than popping to the supermarket). But did you know gardening also has great mental and physical health benefits? Not only is physical exercise a good way to stay active, but connecting with nature in this way can improve your memory and intellect – you’ll learn new skills and relearn how to do things. No matter your age, this green-fingered hobby is rewarding to do solo, with friends or family. So whether you join a community garden and get involved in the group spirit, spend an hour a week tending to the flowers in your garden or take the little ones to help you pick strawberries at your allotment, you’ll feel a lot better for it.
Our top pick for a villa with a vegetable garden:
Villa Vlasio | Sleeps 8 | Price from £44pppn
Wilderness therapy
Ever felt like you just needed to get outdoors? The fresh air and green setting are not only thoroughly enjoyable but also a great way to take a break from the digital world. By exposing yourself to nature, you can get back to basics and improve your mindset. Allow yourself to be exposed to natural light patterns and fresh air instead of being cooped up indoors, and hopefully, you’ll feel instantly more relaxed. It can take up to three days for your brain to rest and reboot enough to function optimally. Still, unfortunately, it’s not always possible for us to avoid technology this regularly. The next best thing? Dedicate a certain amount of time a week to outdoor activities. Whether you take time to meditate alone, do some outdoor painting, or go for a walk with your partner, your brain will thank you for it. Group activities can also be beneficial as socialising in nature helps create lasting bonds with people. Why not plan a camping trip, join a Sunday league, or explore national parks with friends?
Our top pick for a villa immersed in nature:
Upper Valley Barns | Sleeps 12-14 | Price from £27pppn
Animal therapy
There’s nothing quite like our furry friends, right? Coming home after a long day to be welcomed by your excited pooch is one of the best feelings in the world. So, it’s not surprising that spending time with animals has been shown to improve your mental health and general well-being. Free from judgement, worries, and the pressures of daily life, this way of connecting with nature can make you feel happier and more positive. Taking time out of your day to walk the dog or play with your cat can be extremely calming. But if you don’t own a pet, don’t worry. Volunteering at an animal sanctuary, visiting a petting zoo, or trying horse riding classes can all reap the same benefits, especially if done regularly!
Our top pick for a villa located near horse-riding stables:
Villa Foret | Sleeps 17-25 | Price from £71pppn
Blue Mindfulness
You may never have heard of this phrase, but ‘Blue Mindfulness’ is something people swear by. It refers to activities spent in bodies of water, such as swimming, surfing, and sailing. Based on the idea that water has the power to soothe and calm us, the practice promises to make you feel more content and at peace with nature while simultaneously highlighting how we need to care for these parts of our planet. Blue Mindfulness is best achieved through contact with natural water, such as wild swimming or water sports at sea. Although these are great holiday activities, those who don’t live by the sea can achieve similar results by swimming in open-air pools like lidos.
Our top pick for a villa with private sea access:
Villa Prisca | Sleeps 14 | Price from £78pppn
*Prices correct at the time of publishing
Now that you’ve seen our top examples of ecotherapy, why not check Oliver’s Travels‘ holiday homes? We have some amazing UK holiday homes and villas in Europe where you can try these ecotherapy pursuits. If you’re unsure where to pick, take a look at our outdoor pursuits page or contact our concierge service for a helping hand.