Working With Nature's Elements of Air, Earth, Water, and Fire for Anxiety in Canada
Working With Nature's Elements of Air, Earth, Water, and Fire for Anxiety in Canada
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Issue Date
2022-11
Authors
Langen, Laura
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Abstract
Humans have spent over 99.9% of their time on earth living in the natural environment, which means only .01% of our species history has been spent in modern surroundings (Hansen et al.,2017). These modern surroundings have led to disconnection from the natural environment and increase in stress and burnout in Canada. It is argued that understanding and utilizing natures elements of air, earth, water, and fire, can connect humans back to nature and support mental well-being. There is evidence in the research that nature's elements can support the reduction of anxiety, mindfulness, and the overall nervous system, yet the research is new with limited longitudinal scientific study. It is suggested that future long-term research is conducted to build on the current body of knowledge to expand the understanding of the impacts of the human- nature connection. To educate and spread awareness on working with nature's elements for anxiety, it is encouraged that mental health professionals directly use nature to not only support anxious clients but showcase how one can use nature outside a therapeutic setting to support themselves. A workshop, Working with Nature's Elements for Anxiety, has been created to not only educate professionals how to work with nature's elements but to allow professionals first-hand experience on the benefits of working with the elements for anxiety.
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Keywords
nature-based therapy , ecotherapy , nature , natures elements , anxiety