Beat the Summertime Blues: Practical Tips to Connect with Nature

It’s hard to believe that we are deep into July, with the heat finally hitting maybe as hard as the summertime sadness that can feel like life's been a fast-moving dumpster fire.

So, let's dial it back and talk about the ultimate stress-buster: nature.

It’s free and kind of always just there to be utilized. Finding moments of peace can seem elusive, but connecting with nature provides a powerful antidote to the stresses of daily life. Here are some practical, easy tips to help you beneficially connect with nature:

Dip Your Toe In

If you're a total nature newbie, start off slow and simple. Take short strolls in the park or even just open a window to let in some sweet fresh air. If the heat’s got you down, opening the curtains to let in some natural light is also an acceptable source of embracing nature. Even a little nature goes a long way.

Activate All Your Senses

Nature is like a five-star sensory buffet.

Listen to the chirping birds, feel the lush grass under your feet, gaze at the clouds shaped like cotton candy penguins waddling on jellyfish, and breathe in that crisp petrichor - the official name for that smell after it has rained, because it has rained…a lot.

A simple 5-4-3-2-1 check-in can help if outside is cool and all, but bugs exist and lying in the grass gives you the heebie-jeebies:

Acknowledge 5 things you see around you, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear outside of your body, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.* This exercise can be practiced anywhere you feel helps connect to your surroundings. It's like a spa day for your brain! *Taste meaning inside your mouth already; or if you’re a forager at heart and there is something to be eaten *safely* where you are!

Unplug

Say sayonara to your screen time. Nature doesn't need Wi-Fi to blow your mind.

This could be you.

Leave the phone in your pocket, or somewhere out of reach and let Mother Nature do her thing.

Disconnect to reconnect. You have a phone for *your* convenience, not for everyone else’s convenience. Give this mental break intention and attention.   

Zen Out with Mindfulness

Channel your inner squirrel: find a cozy spot, nibble on a snack, and just chill while soaking in the surroundings. Pay attention to your breathing, observe the natural rhythms around you, and let go of intrusive thoughts. Mindfulness in nature can foster a sense of inner peace and improve your ability to manage stress.

Work It Out(side)

Combine the benefits of physical activity with the healing effects of nature by exercising outdoors. Whether it's walking around a farmer’s market, jogging, hiking, cycling, or practicing yoga in a park, physical movement in natural settings boosts mood and enhances mental clarity. Nature + endorphins = instant mood boost.

Make a Splash

When in doubt, add water. Water is nature's secret sauce, and around here, we are lucky enough to find a body of water nearby to soak in some aquatic vibes. The sounds or the simple sight of ripples and movement have a hypnotic effect that helps ground you where you are.

Capture the Moment

Capture nature's beauty with your camera (permission to pull out that phone here) or sketchpad. Whether it's a fiery sunset or a funky mushroom, channel your inner artist and get creative. Engaging in creative activities outdoors encourages self-expression and helps you appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.

Give Thanks

Take a second to appreciate the little things in nature that make you smile. Develop a habit of reflecting on what you enjoy. Whether it's gratitude for the sunrise that time stamps a new day, the shade of a tree, or the sound of rain, acknowledging these moments enhances positive emotions and strengthens your connection with the world around you.

Let Me *LEAF* You With This:

Take the time to embrace the natural world around you—it just may be the key to a happier, healthier life.

Nature isn't just a backdrop—it's a natural, magical stage that is an essential component of self-care to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.  Leave your worries at home, and let nature show you what it does best. Incorporating these tips into your daily life can transform your relationship with nature and significantly improve your mental well-being.