With the pace of life for many of us moving at an alarming speed - not to mention the rise in screen time we’ve seen just in the last ten years - it’s probably not surprising to hear that many of us have become disconnected from nature. Maybe we just don’t have the time, or the motivation perhaps, to really soak in the natural world and all its glory? Or maybe we’re unable to access green spaces? But knowing what we know about the power of nature and it’s ability to enhance mental health and wellbeing, it’s more evident than ever that we need to find ways to remove the barriers. So let’s make the change!
Here are just three easy ways that you can connect with nature today.
Understanding the Importance of Nature Connection
Before we share our tips for making deep connections with nature, here’s why it matters. Regular time spent in nature has been linked to:
Reduced stress and anxiety: Research shows that time spent outdoors in nature helps to lower cortisol levels, and this in turn helps to calm the mind and the body. It’s said that just 15 minutes outside in a green space is enough to lower stress levels!
Improved mood and resilience: Studies also show that time outside, away from screens, can have a profound affect on our mood - leading to improvements in self esteem and happiness too. This can lead to an increase in happiness, and a strengthening of resilience as we start to adopt a more positive mindset.
A sense of belonging: The next time you step outside, pause for a moment to look up and take in your surroundings. You’re part of something much bigger—a natural world that has existed for centuries. Embracing this perspective can bring a sense of clarity, purpose, and connection if you allow yourself to be present with it.
Enhanced focus and creativity: Taking time away from screens to immerse yourself in the natural world can work wonders for your cognitive function. It's easy to get caught up in technology, but stepping into nature allows us to shift our perspective, to have space to think. This not only brings greater clarity but also fosters creativity and fresh ideas.
So can we connect with nature, to reap the many benefits to our own health and wellbeing? Yes! Here are three things you can try today.
Take a mindful walk outside
One of the easiest ways to connect with nature is through taking a walk, and really paying attention to your surroundings. Mindful walking invites you to slow down and truly experience the world around you, shifting your focus perhaps from your step count to the green of the grass, or the sounds of birdsong instead.
Here’s how to practice mindful walking:
- Pause and breathe. Take a few deep breaths before you begin to centre yourself.
- Engage your senses. Notice the feel of the ground beneath your feet, the rustle of leaves, the scent of fresh earth, or the warmth of the sun.
- Let go of distractions. Leave your phone behind or switch it to silent mode. Allow yourself to be fully present.
A wellbeing walk at Mind Over Mountains incorporates all of the above, and more! We know how powerful nature can be in aiding the recovery of mental ill health, and the vital role it plays in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing. And we combine nature therapy with walk and talk therapy, with trained coaches and counsellors.
When you come on a walk with us, you’ll have the opportunity to walk in nature, soak in your surroundings and feel truly connected with the world around you, and with others too. Our events provide a safe space for you to open up, to walk, talk and be listened to without pressure and without judgement. Its a chance to slow down, find clarity, and breathe.
Bring nature into your daily life
While it’s wonderful to escape to mountains or forests, we appreciate that it’s not always possible - and connecting with nature doesn’t always require a grand adventure. There are lots of ways that you can bring nature into your daily life, even if you live in an urban setting.
Here are some simple ways to infuse your daily life with nature:
- Garden or care for plants. Cultivating life is a powerful way to engage with the natural world.
- Take micro-breaks outdoors. Step outside for five minutes to breathe fresh air or watch the clouds.
- Observe the small details. Notice the texture of bark on a tree, the colours of flowers, or the sound of birdsong.
These small, intentional acts can make a big difference, helping you feel more present and connected.
Go glimmer hunting
Glimmers are the opposite of triggers - rather than inviting feelings of negativity and anxiety, they open us up to a whole world of joy and happiness, if we let them. And glimmers are all around us, waiting to be discovered!
Glimmers are personal to you. It could be the first glimpse of a rainbow through the clouds. It could be the local neighbourhood cat stretching out in the sun. It could be the crunch of your boots on freshly laid snow… Glimmers are the small things in nature that bring you joy. The sights, smells, sounds that bring light to your day and foster a sense of calm and happiness.
Once you start to notice these small pockets of joy, you open yourself up to shifting your mindset. And once you start actively looking for glimmers, you begin to work on seeking out the positive, focusing on the pros of life rather than the cons. That’s a great place to be - and outdoors in nature is the perfect setting for glimmer hunting!
Next time you take a walk in nature, look out for a glimmer, and take notice of how it makes you feel. Keep hold of that feeling. And keep looking for glimmers - in a world full of triggers, they might just be the small things that help you keep one foot in front of the other.
