By Dr. Athina Georgiou Shippi, Lead – Environmental Expert, KyklOIKOdromio

Amid the busyness of our daily lives which are filled with noise, constant connectivity, screens, schedules but also stresses; nature’s healing powers are easily forgotten. As we navigate through our daily routine and the complexities of modern living, our often chaotic and overwhelming lifestyles become increasingly disconnected from the rhythms of the natural world. Now, more than ever, we need to pause, breathe, reconnect with nature, and embrace nature’s healing powers.  

Nature provides a refuge from the noise and stress of the world. It can act as a sanctuary for individuals seeking comfort and renewal. Numerous studies have indicated nature’s remarkable ability to soothe our minds, revive our bodies, and uplift our spirits. Humans are an integral part of nature, something we also pinpoint in KyklOIKOdromio’s principles. The Ancient Greeks were integrated into the natural environment. They lived through nature. They understood its continuity and longevity. Nature provides us with the opportunity to slow down, unplug, reconnect with ourselves and the natural world, whilst also being reminded of our place and our interdependence with all living things.

There is substantial and undeniable evidence for positive human health and wellbeing effects of human interactions with nature. Stepping outside, whether that is a stroll through a forest, a park, or a walk along the beach, and immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world can be transformative for our well-being. Particularly, research has indicated that interacting with nature delivers a multitude of benefits ranging from psychological, cognitive, physiological, and social benefits. From reducing stress, anxiety, anger, fatigue, blood pressure and heart rate, t0 improving mood, cognitive function, immune function, and general health; nature’s healing effects are undeniable.

These principles are reflected in Ecotherapy, a powerful tool for promoting wellness and resilience. Ecotherapy, draws on the therapeutic benefits of nature, promoting physical and emotional well-being. It is a form of a psychotherapeutic technique based on explicit environmental or ecological interventions. Ecotherapy practices have already been used all around the world where both the human mind and the natural world mutually heal. Moreover, several doctors in the UK, Australia, Canada, and US have already been prescribing nature prescriptions (e.g. contact with the outdoors, days in the park, green social prescribing) for their patients. Particularly, practices such as forest bathing, nature walks, green exercise, gardening, horticulture, animal-assisted interventions, and other ecotherapy techniques, support individuals to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health. For example, studies have suggested effectiveness in medical conditions such as hypertension, obesity, post-surgical recovery and psychological conditions like depression, stress reduction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The benefits of contact with nature, also extend far beyond the individual level, encompassing broader ecological and societal dimensions. Given the unprecedented environmental challenges we are currently facing, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction, our connection to the natural world has never been more paramount. Fostering a deeper connection to nature and understanding how the world works, drawing inspiration from its rhythms, cycles, and seasons, and finding strength and solace amidst the chaos and uncertainty, individuals can cultivate a sense of stewardship and respect towards nature. This can inspire sustainable behaviours and foster a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life. The planet’s health is interlinked to our own well-being, and thus, nurturing our own relationship with the natural environment involves both the healing of ourselves and of the natural world.

Cyprus offers endless possibilities for walking in nature, strolling by the sea and visiting fields and parks. We can include in our Sunday walk an activity related to connecting with nature before lunch, we can take our lunch break from work in a nearby park. There are hidden parks in our neighbourhoods just waiting to be discovered! You can find nature trails on the Department of Forestry's website, Love Cyprus of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Feel Live Outdoors, and plenty of other websites. Love for nature, the environment and the beauty of Cyprus are the ingredients that bound the Cyprus from air team together. Cyprus from air are the nature lovers of Cyprus who will lift you from your couch and the monotony of the city to take you for a ride in the mountains for mountain climbing and on the known and unknown trails of Cyprus to know, love and learn to respect and protect the environment.

So let us heed the call to embrace the healing power of nature. Let us make and take time in our busy lives to get outside, breathe fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature. Let's seek opportunities to explore, wander and wonder - to reconnect with nature and with ourselves.

Let’s embrace nature's healing power.
Let’s make time to step outside and seek nature experiences.
Let’s reignite our relationship with the natural world.