Journal of Hypertension: Open Access

Nature Exposure Therapies and Mental Health

Abstract

Ramaniya Grecola*

Nature exposure therapies have garnered attention as potential interventions for alleviating stress, depression and anxiety levels. This systematic review aims to assess the effects of nature exposure therapies on mental health outcomes. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies were Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that evaluated the effects of nature exposure therapies on stress, depression and anxiety levels compared to control conditions. A total of insert number studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings suggest that nature exposure therapies, including forest bathing, nature walks, gardening and horticultural therapy, are associated with significant reductions in stress, depression and anxiety levels. However, variations in study designs, interventions and outcome measures limit the generalizability of the findings. Further research utilizing standardized methodologies and larger sample sizes is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of nature exposure and to inform the development of evidence-based interventions for improving mental health outcomes.