Embrace Nature
As Henry David Thoreau said: “We can never have enough of nature.” Spending time in nature can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. Activities such as taking care of plants, hiking, exercising outdoors, and walking through grass or trees can have lots of positive effects: Big nature exists when the calming and profound energy of nature is more dominant than the developed side of life. When we are surrounded by nature, our ruminating mind is exposed and eventually calms down. Here are some simple ways you can embrace nature:
Creative Ways to Explore Nature
“I hope as we all go about our lives, we can take little reminders, such as the breeze in our hair or the sun on our face to appreciate how lucky we are to call this planet our home.”
Tools to Use in Nature
Pick a color and go for a walk, noticing everywhere it appears—in flowers, buildings, clothing, or the sky. This playful practice helps shift your focus outward, sparking curiosity and easing stress.
Stand barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. Feel the ground beneath you and let your body relax. Research suggests grounding can reduce stress and help regulate your nervous system.
This meditation offers your mind a gentle break and can be done anytime you’re outside. Sitting with nature while focusing on your breath helps calm your mind and body.
Steps:
- Find a comfortable place to sit outdoors
- Notice your natural breathing
- As you breath in, count 1.
- As you breathe out, count 2.
- Continue up to 10, then back down to 0. Repeat as needed.
If your mind wanders and you lose count, that’s completely normal. Gently bring your attention back to your breath or the last number you remember.
Find a comfortable place to sit or rest outside. Let your attention open to everything around you—the shifting light, the sounds, the breeze, the clouds, the birds, the details you might normally miss. Observing in this way slows your thoughts, deepens presence, and helps you feel more connected to the world around you.
Take a quick dip in a cold lake, ocean, or river. The cool water can invigorate your body, clear your mind, and release feel-good endorphins. Start slowly, listen to your body, and step out whenever you need.
Visit a local park, trail, or national park you’ve never been to before. Exploring a new environment awakens your curiosity, breaks routine, and can spark fresh perspective. Let yourself wander, notice what feels different, and enjoy the sense of discovery.
Stretch, do yoga, or exercise outside. Movement paired with fresh air and natural surroundings can energize your body and improve your mood.
Take a few minutes to sketch, write, or jot down observations from your time outside. Reflecting on what you notice boosts creativity, gratitude, and awareness.
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