Whether you’re craving more calm, clarity, or connection, spending time in nature can be one of the most nourishing things you can do for yourself. But you don’t need to be super outdoorsy or plan a big camping trip to experience the benefits. There are so many simple, accessible ways to reconnect with the natural world—right where you are.
Here are 10 ideas to inspire you:
Bring nature into your home
You don’t always have to venture outside to feel connected to nature—sometimes, it’s as simple as finding little ways to invite natural elements into your home. Open your windows to let in the fresh air, throw back the curtains to soak up natural light, and add a few plants or fresh flowers to your space. If you’re new to plants, start with low-maintenance ones like pothos or snake plants, and take a peek at my houseplant tips here! You could also try incorporating natural materials into your home decor like wood, stone, or linen. These little touches not only brighten your surroundings but also boost your mood and bring a calming, grounded energy into your everyday life.
Get 15 minutes of sunshine or fresh air in the morning
Starting your day with a dose of natural light and fresh air can reset your circadian rhythm and give you a mood (and energy!) boost. Whether you take your coffee outside, open your windows, or go for a short walk, spending a few quiet moments outdoors helps set a more grounded tone for the rest of the day. Bonus points if you leave your phone behind and simply listen to the sounds of the world waking up.
Try a grounding practice
Sometimes the simplest things are the most powerful—like kicking off your shoes and walking barefoot in the grass. This practice helps you feel more connected to the Earth and can even help reduce stress. Whether you lie on a blanket at the park or stand barefoot on your porch, it’s a gentle way to feel supported by nature.
Take yourself on field trips
Make it a monthly ritual to go on a little nature escape—whether it’s a solo hike, a walk through a botanical garden, or a weekend visit to a nearby state park. Planning these small adventures helps you break free from your routine and deepen your relationship with the landscapes around you. Don’t worry about going far—it’s less about the mileage and more about the intention. Just pick a place that feels special to you or that you’ve been wanting to explore.
Connect with your food
Reconnecting with nature also means reconnecting with where your food comes from. Eating seasonally and shopping at your local farmers market allows you to enjoy produce at its freshest while supporting local growers. If you can, take a field trip with friends to visit a farm or orchard to see how things are grown. It’s a beautiful way to feel more rooted in your environment and more appreciative of your meals.
Learn something about your local landscape
Whether it’s identifying spring wildflowers, learning the names of local birds, or visiting the local natural history museum, deepening your knowledge of your environment can make you feel more at home. Take a little time to download an app or read up on your local flora and fauna. The more you learn, the more wonder you’ll find in the everyday.
Listen to nature sounds
If you’re feeling tense or overstimulated, try listening to ocean waves, birdsong, or rainfall—either outside or through a playlist. Playing nature sounds while working, meditating, or winding down can help lower stress and bring a little more peace to your day. Something that helps me is playing nature sounds while I do something that might normally feel stressful. It’s a small way to bring the soothing benefits of nature into your life, even if you’re stuck at your desk.
Be a caretaker for your local environment
A great way to feel closer to nature and your community is to take small actions to care for your local environment. Volunteer for a local cleanup, start a pollinator garden, or pick up trash during your walk. These small efforts help you feel more deeply connected to the place where you live, which can be incredibly grounding and fulfilling.
Pay attention
One of the most powerful ways to reconnect with nature is simply to notice it. We spend so much time staring down at our phones, so this is a reminder to look up when you’re on a walk or sipping your coffee outside. Watch the way the light changes throughout the day, listen to the birds in the morning, or study the colors of the leaves as the seasons change. The more present you are, the more beauty you’ll see.
Lean into seasonal joys
Every season brings its own rhythm, beauty, and opportunities to connect with nature in new ways. Try embracing the seasonal shifts by adjusting your routines—go flower picking or plant herbs in the spring, swim or stargaze in the summer, hike among the changing leaves in fall, or bundle up for a brisk walk in winter. Tuning into the natural cycle of the year can help you feel more present and in sync with the world around you. Let the seasons guide your self-care, rituals, and moments of joy.
If you need some inspiration, check out my four seasonal guides,: happy girl spring, healthy girl summer, cozy girl fall, and soft girl winter! Each guide includes 28 different ideas for embracing the joys of each season!
Whether you try one or all ten of these ideas, reconnecting with nature doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pausing to feel the sun on your face or noticing the sound of the wind through the trees. The more often you make time for these quiet moments, the more rooted, calm, and inspired you’ll feel.
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