There’s nothing like getting right into nature. When I do make an effort and visit a favourite destination like the beach, a great sense of awe gets me every time. The sounds, smells and sheer lack of concrete fills me with immense satisfaction. And that’s when I know it’s so good for me and I need to do it more. Why is it that the healing power of nature goes unnoticed until you crave it? In this post I explore how to reduce stress with nature and why it is so important to spend more time in natural surroundings.

Nature’s Calming Effect

For some reason, anxiety is more prevalent in our society than ever before. Lots of people and experts have various opinions as to what is to blame. But one thing for sure is no one could deny nature has a remarkable way of soothing the soul.

Nature offers a sanctuary of calm and solace. Stress melts away. The fresh air and natural beauty is a free stress reliever reducing cortisol levels naturally.

Can nature combat burnout and fatigue? Can nature reduce stress?

Can nature enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills? Could it induce innovative thinking?

Slow Living in nature

Spending time in natural surroundings is like hitting the reset button on my soul. It helps me unplug from the daily grind, reconnect with myself, and appreciate the simple beauty of the great outdoors.

Here are some practical Ways to Incorporate More Nature Time in Your Life and live slow:

The beach

I love the beach. Maybe not on a hot day in the middle of Summer when it’s 35℃ or over. But more like a warm, sunny day. By deliberately taking off my shoes, I get to feel the sand in my toes and the water lapping at my feet. I breathe in the salt air, wade in the salt water, lap up the warm sun and feel the summer breeze. I pick up shells to hold and stare at the vastness of the sea. All this helps me disconnect from the stress of every day life and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

The Bush

Here in Australia we have a couple of terms that refer to the bush. You could ‘go bush’ which means get out into nature for an extended period of time to rest and reset. Another is going for a ‘bushwalk’ where you find a safe walking trail in a nature reserve or state forest. Something happens when I spend time in the bush. The hues of natural woods and greens is pleasing to the eye. The dappled light through the trees and on the soil. The birds and other nature sounds create an oasis in my mind. Forest bathing, going bush or just going for a bushwalk means I can breathe in fresh air and the earthy scent which are all perfect ways to reduce stress in nature.

The Garden

During the warm Summer months I try to get around barefoot as much as possible and within reason. It’s easy to do when I’m at home around the house but when I go outside, these days I resist the urge to put on some kind of shoes. Standing barefoot on the grass while hanging up the washing is a favourite.

At the beginning of the season I soak in the connection of a natural element to my toes. The feeling of fresh green grass enhances memories of when I was a child and we played outside barefoot all day long in the Summer. So evoking these memories takes me back to a slower and simpler way of life when the only screen in our lives was the TV screen and we only had 4 channels. This grounding as its sometime called (or earthing) is when we have direct contact with the bare earth. Some say there is healing energy from contact with the earth. Which I feel I do experience and again helps me reduce stress in nature.

Other ways to reduce stress in nature and spend time in natural surroundings such as your own garden are:

• Bringing the outdoors in – Making a bouquet from cuttings
• Watering the garden on a warm Summer’s evening
• Sitting under a tree, closing your eyes and listen to the birds, the breeze

And if you don’t have your own outdoor garden you can:

• Create green spaces indoors by bringing in some plants 
• Taking nature breaks during the day both short and long
• Going for a walk in the sun at work if it’s a sunny day.

Why we should reduce stress in nature.

There are countless reasons to spend more time in nature. Here are a few more:

1. Vitamin D – When we spend time in sunshine we absorb Vitamin D. This vitamin greatly improves our immunity, giving us the ability to live a healthier lifestyle. Vitamin D also lifts our mood and enhances our mental health.
2. It gives us a break from technology. We are constantly being bombarded with notifications and dominated by screens, so taking a break gives us a chance to unplug and recharge our minds and bodies naturally. When we disconnect from the noise, it gives our minds a chance to breathe.
3. It’s a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety. The benefits of spending time in nature means we can heal naturally without the need for some medications.
4. Reconnection with the Earth and God’s creation. Spending too much time in a concrete jungle can have devastating effects on our spiritual selves. We can forget what else is out there and what we are missing out on that nature provides. Have you ever seen one of those videos where an animal that has been caged and kept in captivity is finally released into natural surroundings? The way they leap for joy and react to the grass beneath their feet and the sun on their skin. If we spend too much time in a concrete jungle, we too can feel immense awe when we head into the great outdoors after a long spell.

Conclusion

As we navigate the challenges of modern life, it’s vital that we remember that we are part of nature and we must make the effort to return to it. By making a conscious effort to spend more time outdoors, we can nurture our mental and emotional health. Now more than ever we need to ensure we spend more time in nature and prioritize spending more time outdoors and rediscover the transformative power of nature in reducing stress and anxiety. Nature is not just a place to visit; it’s a part of who we are. By reconnecting with the natural world, we can find solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.