Skip to main content

How to use nature to support wellbeing

Time in nature is a valuable remedy for the challenges of modern life, offering a break from a hectic schedule and promoting wellbeing.

It boosts mood, enhances creativity, and fosters a positive and present mindset.

Here are some simple tips for spending healthy time in nature:

– Walk without distractions: Leave your headphones at home and enjoy a walk without any media to enhance creativity.

– Walk with a friend: Make it a habit to walk with a friend so you can motivate each other to spend time in nature.

– Forage wild food: Connect with the Earth by foraging for wild food, like blackberries or nettles.

– Draw nature: Practice observing nature by sketching details with a pen and pad in a comfortable spot outdoors.

– Sit and wait: Take a mindful approach by sitting still and observing wildlife, allowing animals to come to you without disturbance.

– Learn a plant or tree’s name: Get to know the different species around you, making your nature experiences more personal.

– Perform a sensory meditation: Connect with nature using your senses by focusing on what you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste in a comfortable outdoor spot.

George introducing the Oyster mushroom on a Rewilding Walk

Why time in nature is healthy

Three reasons we spend time in nature:

– Forest Bathing (airbathing): Immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest has been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. The practice fosters a deep connection with nature, promoting overall wellbeing.

– Grounding: Nature provides a direct connection to the Earth, allowing us to ground. Walking barefoot on natural surfaces, like grass or soil, lets us absorb negative electrons from the ground, reducing inflammation.

– Mood Enhancement: Spending time in nature triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. The serene environment, fresh air, and natural beauty contribute to a positive mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

George walking barefoot
Walking barefoot on Dartmoor

If you are ready to take on a rewilding challenge, take the Seven Practices Challenge today.

Or, you can join us on our next Rewilding Walk.

Links

Two people barefoot on grass

Blog | What are the Benefits of Grounding? 👣

| Blog, Mindfulness, Movement | No Comments
In modern life, many of us have become disconnected from one of the most fundamental elements from our evolution: the Earth itself. As we write in the book Beyond Domestication,…
George and Amber stood on a Tor on Dartmoor

YouTube | Barefoot Hiking on Dartmoor

| YouTube | No Comments
George and Amber-Rose take a 3-day trip to the Dartmoor National Park in August 2024. We always come back to the magical tors of Dartmoor, as it is one of…
George and Amber dipping in cold water

Blog | The Science of Nasal Breathing: Why It’s Better Than Mouth Breathing 👃

| Air, Blog, Mindfulness | No Comments
The body is blessed with two different pathways for oxygen to reach the lungs. However, only one of these is now thought to support optimal mental health and physical performance.…
Morning sun in London

Blog | How to Use Lighting to Enhance Sleep Quality ☀️

| Blog, Sleep, Sunlight | No Comments
As nights grow longer, it’s natural to brighten up indoor spaces. However, for the last few years we have tried switching to dimmer lighting in the winter, to mirror the…

Leave a Reply