Getting in touch with nature? That’s called ecotherapy and it is based on the idea that people are connected to and affected positively by the natural environment. For better mental health it works in combination with other therapies, and it can improve your physical health too – but outside adventures can sometimes have their dangers.
Health insurance provides the additional support you need to make the most of ecotherapy.
A dose of nature can bring relief
According to Multiple Sclerosis foundation, ecotherapy studies show extraordinary benefits for individuals suffering from stress, anxiety and depression
- Harvard University studied brain activity after walking 90 minutes in an urban setting vs. a natural one. The nature walkers experienced lower prefrontal cortex activity – indicating they were calmer and likely to experience fewer negative thoughts.
- Listening to nature sounds draws your attention outwards instead of inwards where we can focus on the negative and is shown to lower blood pressure and stress.
- Visually, nature can be truly pleasant when we look at water, trees and scenery, keeping us distracted from negative thoughts.
While spending time in nature can help build your positive well-being, helping you to feel connected and balanced, ecotherapy also encourages you to get more physical activity – great for your cardiovascular health.
Try out Ecotherapy by taking your regular activities outside
You can create your own nature-based wellness routine without spending a lot of money, or time.
You don’t have to participate in a full wilderness adventure. Incorporate nature into your daily schedule by moving some of your usual activities outside.
Do you like to read? Try sitting on a bench under a tree and scan your reports or dive into your novel outdoors. Need to have a quick business meeting? Why not ask your teammate to take a walk around the block while you talk.
If you like to workout at the gym, find one with adult playground equipment, or run in a park instead of on the treadmill. You can even just take your yoga mat outside.
Its easy to park the car a little farther away or get off the bus a stop early to add some extra time outside. And don’t forget to sometimes take a walk to the corner store or to drop the kids at school.
When was the last time you went on a picnic? Having a meal in a lovely setting is relaxing and you can invite friends to join you to make it social too. And speaking of food, gardening and growing your own produce is a satisfying experience – if you don’t have space of your own look for a community garden or farm to participate with. It’s healthy too – soil has a type of healthy bacteria that can trigger the release of serotonin, a hormone linked to positive moods.
If night-time is the right time for you, try stargazing – it’s not just daylight that helps us feel calm and relaxed, but the feeling of being connected to the world around us.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to health insurance for extra support
While ecotherapy itself is fairly inexpensive and accessible, it’s essential to consider health insurance to take the best care of your health.
Coverage for mental health therapy costs
True ecotherapy generally involves guidance from a trained therapist as an approach to mental health treatment. Psychologists, counsellors and other therapists (occupational, psychotherapy, etc.) can provide therapy, and your health insurance can help pay for those costs. Both in person and virtual appointments are eligible expenses, provided your healthcare practitioner is allowed by their college or governing body to offer virtual care to their patients.
Physical therapy options
When it comes to improving your overall well-being, your adventures in the outdoors may cause sprains and strains. Naturopathic doctors, Swedish and shiatsu massage performed by registered therapists and eastern-based acupuncture are just some of the options not covered by your government health plan. Health insurance gives you relief by covering some of those costs — the dollar amount covered per visit and the annual combined maximum benefit will be outlined in your plan.
You may need prescription medication
Yes, the outdoors may mean insect bites, pollen allergies and too much sun exposure.
You may be prescribed pills or liquids to ease signs or symptoms. Most health insurance plans cover costs for a wide variety of prescription drugs. If you are given a prescription for a certain medication and are uncertain if it is covered under your plan, contact your insurer with the Drug Identification Number (DIN) of the drug and they will let you know if it covered. You can also take your benefit plan card to your pharmacist, and they will be able to advise you if the medication is covered.
Don’t forget about possible serious injury
From working outside to having fun playing sports, outdoor injuries can happen – resulting in sprained wrists, twisted ankles, broken bones or dislodged teeth. Luckily health insurance helps pay for dental repair, medical equipment like wheelchairs and braces.
And if your outdoor time is out of province
Most health insurance includes emergency medical travel protection while you are away from home in another province or another country.
Enjoy the great outdoors and keep your health insurance handy
For more information on your health insurance options at SBIS, click here or give us a call Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-800-667-0429 or 416-601-0429 – we’re happy to help.
