In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many of us are experiencing a disconnect from nature. Yet, research shows that spending time in nature offers a wide array of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
To help you connect to nature, I’m excited to share with you a free 54 page workbook I’ve created from my own experiences. Filled with prompts, there is space to record your observations and reflections. This is a useful resource to encourage you to get out and experience nature.
I’m also sharing my thoughts on a book that’s a fabulous resource you’ll dip into again and again.
Simple Ways to Connect to Nature
I spend time in nature each and every day, whatever the weather. It’s an important part of my self care routine!
I’m lucky to have Redhill Common on my doorstep! It is small at only 7 hectares but it has heathland, grassland, scrub and woodland habitats and more importantly, I get to experience an emotional boost every day. I love to observe how the common changes through the seasons! Not too far away I have access to beaches and the Jurassic coast.
June 2024, a playful dolphin pod off the coast in Swanage at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve.
You don’t need a beach or woods to connect to nature. Simple activities have a positive impact too such as:
- Open a window, sit in silence and listen to the sounds.
- Gaze at clouds. What do you see?
- Watch a sunset or sunrise.
- Stack stones to make a statue
- Grow a herb garden and use in your cooking
If you’re looking for inspiration on lots of different activities you can do, I can highly recommend Nature Therapy.
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Book Recommendation: Nature Therapy by Rémy Dambron
I’ve recently read Nature Therapy by Rémy Dambron. It’s bursting with ideas and ‘how to’ sections for using ecotherapy to boost well-being.
Not all nature activities are for everyone and this book shares the common types of ecotherapy to help you decide which activities match your personality, interests and comfort levels.
I found out facts such as why trees are so important (I knew some but not all) and learned how to forest bathe (Forest bathing is a practice in Japan known as “shinrin-yoku,” and has been shown to have immense benefits).
There are ideas for connecting with nature if you’re short on time. If you have limited resources, you’ll find ideas for all different environments too.
The author encourages us to think about how we currently manage negative emotions with the space to write them down. I feel this is important and can point us towards connecting with nature to help!
After reading I felt well-informed of the dangers (ie; poisonous plants) as well as the benefits.
I found the writing style a more of a story telling narrative than dry instructions to wade through making Nature Therapy a pleasure to read. One to keep on the bookshelf and dip into for inspiration. Recommended!
Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
To help you connect to nature, I’m excited to introduce a free workbook filled with prompts that encourage you to get out and experience nature.
Here’s a look at why this is so important and what you can expect from the workbook.
Physical Benefits
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Nature walks and outdoor activities can reduce blood pressure and lower heart rates, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Studies indicate that spending time in forests can boost immune system function, increasing the production of natural killer cells that help fight off infections and even cancer.
- Increased Physical Activity: Outdoor environments encourage movement. Activities like hiking, cycling, and even leisurely walks contribute to better physical fitness and weight management.
Article: You might find this study at the British Science Association that ‘reveals wellbeing benefits of connection with nature’ helpful. It also includes a section on what you can do to get involved in conservation. The article links to the full research paper.
Mental Health Benefits
- Reduced Stress: Connecting to nature helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.
- Improved Mood: Regular time in natural settings can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, acting as a natural mood enhancer.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Nature exposure can improve attention, memory, and creativity. Even short walks in a natural environment can significantly boost cognitive performance and focus.
Article: You might find this article ‘How Nature Benefits Mental Health’ at Mind.org helpful. Linked to the article are ideas to try, getting started and useful contacts.
Emotional Benefits
- Increased Happiness and Well-being: Interaction with nature is linked to greater life satisfaction and a more positive outlook on life.
- Enhanced Connection and Empathy: Nature fosters a sense of connection to the environment and others, promoting empathy and a sense of community.
There are many more such as the social benefits and how nature can help children. There are a few theories and my favourite has to be the Biophilia Hypothesis. This theory suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature, which promotes psychological well-being.
Introducing the Free Connect to Nature Workbook
To help you harness these benefits, I’ve created a free “Connect to Nature” 54 page workbook (fillable PDF). This resource is filled with prompts designed to encourage you to spend more time outdoors and truly connect with the natural world.
What’s Inside the Workbook?
- Thought-provoking questions that guide you to explore different aspects of nature.
- Spaces to record your observations, thoughts, and reflections during your time outdoors.
- Techniques to help you practice mindfulness in natural settings.
By using this workbook, you’ll not only spend more time outside but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its many benefits.
Download your free copy today and embark on a journey to better health and well-being through nature.
Experiencing nature in daily life can lead to a happier, healthier, and more balanced lifestyle.
Reconnect with nature, boost your well-being, and discover the joys of the great outdoors with my free workbook.
Happy exploring!