Nature and Healing: Why Eco-Friendly Wellness Centers Are the Future

Humans are built to be surrounded by nature. In the past few decades, though, the rise of 9-5 jobs, at-home offices, and a fleet of indoor entertainment technology has pushed us further from the outside world than ever before.

We also know that disconnection from nature creates worse mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, stress, and depression.

This is where eco-friendly wellness centres come in. Blending the powerful benefits of nature with healing practices, learn more about how you could benefit from a sustainable, nature-based retreat in this guide.

What Are Eco-Friendly Wellness Centers?

Eco wellness centres are retreats that combine sustainability, nature, and physical and mental health.

Many of these spaces incorporate aspects of ecopsychology, which explores the relationship between humans and nature. In particular, they encourage activities that harness the power of the great outdoors to boost wellbeing.

You can find eco-friendly wellness centres that prioritise rest and relaxation through outdoor meditation, natural spa treatments, and whole foods.

There are also wilderness wellness retreats that place a more prominent focus on getting up close and personal with nature. Here, you might be offered activities such as hiking, trekking, and foraging, alongside more traditional wellness treatments.

Regardless of where you choose to go, wellness travel is designed to help you de-stress by reconnecting with nature. Eco retreats ensure you can travel and heal with the least negative impact on the environment, too, for a more sustainable form of tourism.

Who Are Eco-Friendly Wellness Centers For?

Anyone with an interest in wellness, nature, and getting away from the daily grind can benefit from an eco wilderness retreat.

Some centres will also specialise in areas of mental health and wellness to promote focused healing. This can include retreats for:

• Addiction – these retreats can work like a holistic rehabilitation programme, offering peaceful environments, therapy, and nature-based activities to help those in recovery from addiction.
• PTSD and trauma recovery – through a programme of therapy, group sessions, and mindful activities, guests can work through trauma in a safe, peaceful environment.
• Grief – specialised retreats can help those going through loss, helping them find solace in nature and community support.
• Chronic stress and burnout – eco wellness centres provide the calm and tranquillity to help those struggling with stress and burnout, providing a break from everyday life.
• Emotional and mental well-being – general eco wellness retreats are ideal for anyone looking for mental clarity, personal growth, and emotional balance.

Wellness retreats foster a sense of community through group activities, too, making them a great option for solo travellers. Find kindred sustainable spirits and connect amongst the beauty of nature.

How Eco Wellness Retreats Benefit Healing

Eco-friendly wellness retreats can create a unique, peaceful healing environment for their guests. To learn more about the importance of this wellness trend, we’ve taken a closer look at the personal health and well-being benefits.

Experience the Healing Power of Nature

Eco wellness retreats encourage their guests to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re healing from trauma, addiction, or the simple stress of everyday life, this can be a powerful tool on the road to recovery.

Studies have found that connecting with nature can make you:

• Happier in life
• Calmer
• Better able to cope with stress
• Less susceptible to depression and anxiety

By spending more time in nature – such as through hikes or outdoor yoga – participants in eco retreats often experience a sense of grounding and renewal, helping them tap into their emotions and begin to heal in a calm and uplifting environment.

Learn How to Live Mindfully and Sustainably

Eco wellness retreats embody a sustainable, mindful, and accountable lifestyle. They can teach you how to live more purposefully, enjoying practices that are good for you and the planet. This might include:

• Growing your own food
• Learning eco-friendly gardening practices, like composting and water conservation
• Outdoor-based activities, like forest bathing or meditation
• Learning to live more minimally and simply
• Eco-friendly self-care rituals

There’s a lot of overlap between this more mindful, nature-based way of living and enhanced well-being, and you can apply many of the lessons you learn to your everyday life.

Nourish Your Body

Many eco-wellness retreats will prioritise organic whole foods designed to nourish your body and leave as little impact on the planet as possible. Some might include cooking lessons, too, which are known to relieve stress and bring numerous mental health benefits.

This focus on good food encourages you to nourish your body and mind. It’s undoubtedly a form of self-care and can help you better connect with nature, understanding more about how the earth and humans are intrinsically connected.

De-Stress With Wellness Activities

Most eco-wellness retreats will offer personal health and wellness activities. These are designed to ground you and help you reconnect with nature, your mind, and your body. Many of the practices are wonderful for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity, both of which are essential on the path to healing.

Some wellness activities to look out for include:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Massage therapy
• Forest bathing
• Breathwork
• Sound healing
• Nature walks

The activities available will vary from retreat to retreat, so be sure to find a space that matches your wellness goals.

Find Support From the Community

Healing is rarely something you can do entirely alone.

Even if you prefer your own company, the community found at wellness retreats can help you connect comfortably and at your own pace. Sharing and listening can be a vital part of recovery, helping you feel understood and learning from the experiences of those around you

You’ll be surrounded by people who also prioritise sustainability and wellness, making it easier to forge new friendships.

If community is something you’re looking for, keep an eye out for wellness centres that prioritise group events and meals together.

Take Part in Therapy Sessions

Not every eco wellness centre will offer therapy. If you’re looking to combine nature activities with therapy sessions, look for a retreat that’s geared towards mental health and recovery.

Final Thoughts

Eco-friendly wellness centres provide a space for you to shed the pressures of modern life and revert to a simpler, calmer way of being. From reducing stress to helping you connect with like-minded souls, they’re a much-needed retreat on the road to healing.

For more sustainable news, be sure to check out our articles in the Green Journal.