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What is Ecotherapy? ๐ฑ
What is Ecotherapy? ๐ฑ
Ecotherapy is a set of practices that focus on cultivating personal wellbeing through engagement with nature. Ecotherapy can fit a variety of needs and lifestyles, since it can include anything from studying in nature to outdoor exercise. This therapeutic modality can reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen social connection, and improve physical wellness (Sources: Isham et al., Summers and Vivian).
You can incorporate ecotherapy into your life on your own or with others using the resources below. From Lake Matoaka to the Crim Dell Meadows, William & Mary is full of green spaces to ground yourself, unwind, and enjoy nature.
Ecotherapy Menu for Busy Bees ๐
I'm booked! ...ย
Eat lunch outside
Study outdoors or in a nature-rich indoor space (check out the Wellness Center!)
Between classes, put away your phone and look up at the tree tops
Pick up a natural item on your way to class (ex. acorn!) and put it in your pocket
Open a window and let in some fresh air
I have 5 minutes ...
Climb a tree
Green microbreaks (e.g. walk, cloud-watching, stretching)
Breath work or visualization in nature
Slow down and engage your senses by picking up a leaf, enjoying the smell of the rain, or listening to bird song
I have 15-30 minutes ...
Do a "color walk" (follow the color yellow, etc.)
Outdoor meditation or nap
Organize an impromptu game of tag or frisbee with your friends
Check out the fish tank at the Keck Lab
I have an hour ...ย
Sit by Lake Matoaka (maybe bring some art supplies!)
Set up a hammock
Go for a run or do some yoga in a nature-rich space
Try your hand at tree identification (take a look at this tree tour!)
I have a day ...ย
Go for a hike around Lake Matoaka
Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at Matoaka Boathouse (free for students)
Zipline with the Tribe Adventure Program (schedule and registration here)
I have a weekend ...
Go on a trip with the Tribe Adventure Program
Go camping in Shenandoah, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, etc.
Check out Kipotopeke State Park during the warm months
I have a car ...ย
Swim at Jamestown Beach
Walk or bike the Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Visit the Williamsburg Botanical Garden at Freedom Park
I want to bring friends ...
Practice "nature play" together (it could be an organized game like Capture the Flag or you can figure it out as you go)
Have a picnic on Sunken G or in a local greenspace
Try out the Campus Bird Scavenger Huntย
Seasonal Ideas ๐โ๏ธ๐บ๐
Fall: Journal about or sketch the season transition, press leaves, go apple picking, and observe the changing colors on a hike
Winter: Roast marshmallows on a campfire with friends, bundle up for a walk in CW, play in the snow, and birdwatch (with an eye out for migratory species)
Spring: Visit an outdoor market, join a community garden, go for a wildflower identification walk, and watch the sunrise
Summer: Visit the beach, camp overnight, hike to a waterfall, listen to insects or frogs at night, and hammock under the tree tops
Campus Resources ๐
Campus Resources ๐
Time in nature boosts mood, reduces stress, and can even improve sleep and memory. You can try a nature intervention at W&M by getting matched with an outdoor space. Fun fact: PERL's Campus Park Rx program (established in 2014) is one of the first programs of its kind in the country.
This incredible resource provides insider knowledge on the green spaces on campus. You find the perfect nature spot based on your specific needs - like a place to socialize, relax, or birdwatch. It even has tree tours!
TAP offers student-led outdoor activities - including hiking, camping, and zip-lining - for W&M students. It also runs the Matoaka Boathouse, which rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to students for free!
I want to learn more about ecotherapy ๐
I want to learn more about ecotherapy ๐
Take a class with PERL director Dr. Ibes.
ENSP/COLL 100: Mapping for Community Nature Rx
ENSP 320: Ecotherapy & the Good Life
ENSP 440: Ecotherapy Sci & Experience
Watch "Nurture with Nature," a documentary short file about ecotherapy by PERL director Dr. Ibes (ENSP) and Dr. Stadelmann (Film & Media Studies).
Read a book. Some recommendations:
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being by Dr. Marc G. Berman
Your Brain On Nature: The Science of Nature's Influence on Your Health, Happiness and Vitality by Alan C. Logan
Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace J. Nichols
Explore PERL's projects on campus (click here for student work specifically).ย
Read an article. See the Sierra Club's article "Outdoors for All" on the human right of access to nature or Noema Magazine's "Society Needs A Doctorโs Prescription For Nature."
Listen to a podcast. In this one, Mary Oliver discusses the power of nature and poetry. You can also listen to PERL's director discuss the importance of parks and greenspaces on public radio or with the Wellness Center.
See PERL's published research on ecotherapy interventions, equitable nature access, and more.
I want to get involved ๐ณ
I want to get involved ๐ณ
Get involved with PERL by contacting us
Try outdoor volunteering and conservation work
Clean up outdoor spaces with the Trail Crew
Apply to work at the boathouse or greenhouse
Do field work at the Keck Lab
Join the CampusRx GroupMe to explore greenspaces with other students on campus
Connect with PERL ๐ธ
Connect with PERL ๐ธ
Instagramย ย ย ย ย
Upcoming events at PERL and ecotherapy inspiration @perlwm
Contact Us
Reach out at parksresearchlab@gmail.com
One-stop resource shop (including a fun campus greenspace Buzzfeed quiz)!
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