Embracing Nature: Elevating Your Health and Wellness Outdoors

Finding moments to connect with nature can have a profound impact on overall health and well-being. However, sometimes we need to make a conscious effort to get outside. What we do know is that making the time does not need to be overly complicated, it can be as simple as stepping outdoors to breathe a little fresh air. It can be as easy as taking a walk down the street, and noticing the beauty that surrounds us that we might usually take for granted. 

I know that when I make a plan to orient my day around getting outdoors, I am always grateful I did. And, after some good, wholesome activity I always find myself wondering, “Why don’t I do this more often?’

Sometimes what we need to revitalize us is to remove ourselves from the environments that drain us, and put ourselves into environments that recharge us. 

The Healing Power of Nature

Being outside provides us with a setting where we can appreciate the external wonders that bring us awe and inspiration, while also offering an opportunity to get in touch with ourselves, our needs, and what is going on inside us energy-wise. In a world dominated by screens and schedules, the healing power of nature is abundant and can be a sanctuary for our minds and bodies. It is a known fact that exposure to sunlight and natural light improves sleep quality, boosts our mood, and provides necessary Vitamin D, which is excellent for reducing inflammation, cell growth, as well as promotes bone and brain health, among other positive outcomes.

From reducing stress levels, to enhancing creativity, to being a powerful aid in the pursuit of a more grounded lifestyle, research has shown that there are many health and wellness benefits to spending time outdoors.

Connecting with Nature Deepens Your Health and Wellness Experience

Mindfulness and nature go hand in hand, creating a synergy that deepens your overall health and wellness experience. Here are a few ways you can enhance your nature experience:

• Build a mandala or shrine from natural elements that you gather 
• Explore the practices of meditation, mindful walking, and yoga in natural settings 
• Learn the names of things and document your discoveries (ex: journaling, photographing, or drawing)
• Find the perfect stone to use as a centering tool and to focus your intentions 
• Have a “Grounding” or “Earthing” practice. Let your bare feet connect with the Earth.
• Try forest bathing
• Let yourself relearn how to play, roll in the leaves, roll down a hill, splash in puddles, run through fields
• Connect with “energetic portals”, Example: watching the sunrise or sunset

Developing a mindfulness practice amplifies the positive effects of spending time outdoors, fostering a profound sense of peace and connection.

Incorporating Nature Into Daily Life

Not everyone can escape to the wilderness, but integrating nature into daily life is within reach for everyone. Discover practical tips to infuse your routine with nature, even in urban environments. Here are our favorite ways to incorporate nature outings into our every day,

• Cultivate a manageable home garden. This can be as simple as a kitchen garden filled with herbs you enjoy, or a perennial/cut flower garden that will attract pollinators.
• Orient your days by prioritizing outdoor projects over indoor projects, start your day outside and work your way in. 
• Avoid cabin fever by trying out seasonal activities, examples: Cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, hiking and mountain biking, 
• Host outside gatherings (tea parties, picnics, farm to table events, adventure dinners, BBQ)
• Patron your local farms, parks, preserves, or conservations areas
• Take a class/workshop. From flower arranging to mushroom identification, there is so much to learn about our natural world.  
• Make it a family excursion. We love nature treasure hunts! It gets our kiddo excited about hiking and looking.  
• Set small goals: Do all the day hikes within 20 min of where you live, or invite your neighbor to develop a regular walking routine after work. 

Consider your smart goals and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It is all about finding pleasure in being in nature. And just remember, taking small steps that get you outside your comfort zone can lead to significant health and wellness improvements over time.

Eco-Travel Experiences for Health and Wellness

Embarking on a journey to wellness often involves exploration and discovery. If you are ready to venture beyond your backyard, this planet is full of destinations where you can experience all the holistic and transformative benefits of naturally beautiful places. 

Discover therapeutic environments where nature and well-being intersect, and discover how you can incorporate your health goals into your eco-travel itinerary. Create Joy wants to put these experiences within reach for you.

As we conclude this exploration of the health and wellness and the benefits of connecting with nature, I invite you to embark on your own journey. Start small, perhaps with a walk in a nearby park or a moment of mindfulness in your backyard. Embrace the simplicity and beauty of the natural world, and witness the positive changes it brings to your life.

Let’s Form a Connection!

Subscribe to our Create Joy newsletter for more insights into the transformative power of nature, travel, and mindfulness, including book and resource recommendations. Join our Create Joy Facebook Community to share your experiences and connect with like-minded individuals. 

Together, let’s embark on a journey to health and mindfulness through the appreciation of the natural world. 

Written in collaboration with holistic wellness practitioner, Caroline Meliones