Ecotherapy: It might sound a little new age, but it's actually a way of life that comes very deeply rooted.

Cheri Albright loves being outdoors, tending to her garden with her girls. She believes being in the fresh air transforms her.

"I tend to feel more relaxed and want to do more things, want to run around with the kids," Cheri says.

Stress specialist Dr. Kathleen Hall says it's not all in Cheri's head. Studies show being one with nature has positive consequences.

"We're actually seeing the body, mind, and the soul actually act differently in nature than they do in urban societies, and also within a house or within a business environment, Dr. Hall explains.

Dr. Hall says there are some simple steps to help you benefit from Ecotherapy.

"First is walking. Get your family to walk every night at 7 o'clock, or pick a particular time so that every night you're out there at the same time," she suggests.

We all know it's good to keep the heart pumping and blood circulating, but it's also mood altering.

"Over 70% of people report they have significantly decreased symptoms of depressions when they're out in nature and 88% of people say that their moods change immediately just after they begin a walk," Dr. Hall says.

If you can't be outside, research shows a snapshot of your favorite place can help take you there.

"Photos on your office, at home by your bed, keep a picture of where you love to be. What we know is the brain identifies with that and it immediately feels better," Dr. Hall says.

Add a fish tank to the room, or a nature sound machine. The point is to allow your senses to take over. Experts say it's the connection to the rhythm of nature that makes all the difference.

"There's lots of sensory stimulation. Think of all of your senses…the smell, smelling the jasmine, the colors of the blue sky, flowers, fresh air, the wind hitting your face," Dr. Hall lists.

Cheri says there's no doubt it works for her, and she spends all the time she can outside.

"I just definitely have more energy, and more bounce," she exclaims.

Any time spent with nature will help, but Ecotherapists recommend a daily walk, or some time spent gardening--anything, as long as you are outside.

Other countries, such as the Netherlands and Norway, actually prescribe Ecotherapy as a treatment for mental distress.