Did you know that Estonia has one of the cleanest natural environments in the world?
Sometimes we look for peace in faraway places, without realizing that one of the world’s most valuable natural environments is right here at home.
Estonia is special. Our forests, bogs, clean air and water are not just part of the landscape – they are part of our well-being. More than half of Estonia is covered by forests, and thanks to this, Estonia is among the countries with the cleanest air in the world. According to the latest international air quality assessments, Estonia has the cleanest air in continental Europe.
Often, we think of nature as somewhere to go on weekends or during holidays. In reality, we are part of nature ourselves. When we move away from nature, we gradually move away from our natural rhythm as well.
That is why I believe that nature is not a luxury or entertainment.
It is our natural environment and a part of life.
Nature supports us more than we often realise
In recent years, nature-based approaches to supporting people’s mental and physical well-being have increasingly been used around the world.
These include, for example:
Forest Therapy – mindful time spent in nature that helps reduce stress and support mental well-being.
Forest Bathing / Shinrin-yoku – a practice originating in Japan, where the goal is not to move quickly, but to experience the forest with all your senses and relax.
Outdoor Therapy – counselling or therapy in a natural environment, where the surrounding environment also becomes part of the healing process.
Adventure Therapy – experiential activities in nature that help build confidence, awareness and coping skills.
These approaches are used in many countries in schools, healthcare, rehabilitation and mental health support. An increasing body of research confirms that spending regular time in nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, support concentration and strengthen overall well-being.
We have all of this right here
Sometimes we travel thousands of kilometres in search of something that is actually right here.
A quiet forest path.
A clear lake.
A bog in the morning mist.
Birdsong.
Fresh air.
These things should not be taken for granted. They are valuable resources that need to be protected and consciously brought into our everyday lives.
For me, connection with nature means more than simply spending time outdoors. It means a way of life in which we learn to notice again, slow down and live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Because when we stay connected to nature, we also stay connected to ourselves
Discover more about nature-based approaches used around the world:
Forest Therapy
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
Outdoor Therapy
Adventure Therapy
I also recommend reading this article about Estonia’s clean natural environment and air quality:
Estonia has the cleanest air in continental Europe Nature Sustainability article
See you 🍃 Kristi
