How to connect with nature and why it’s important

If you’re looking for ways of how to connect or reconnect with nature, then you probably know that there’s something about nature that just seems to soothe the soul. Maybe it’s the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, or the sun shining down on your face. Or maybe it’s simply being surrounded by plants and trees, and hearing the song of birds in the distance. Going back to our roots seems to help with both mental and physical health.

Whatever it is, scientists have long known that there are many benefits to connecting with nature. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels, improve your mood and boost creativity. Additionally, being in nature can also increase focus and improve your attention span, as well as help us connect with our inner selves. Sign me up, I need all of that!

Why is it important to have a connection with nature

There are many reasons why it’s important to have a connection with nature. For one, being in nature can help reduce stress levels and improve your mood. In fact, one study found that people who spent time in nature had lower levels of cortisol (the hormone responsible for stress) in their blood. Additionally, being in nature has been shown to boost creativity and help us feel more connected to our inner selves. As well as spending time in nature is vital for a healthy lifestyle.

But perhaps most importantly, connecting with nature can help us reconnect with the world around us. We live in a society that is constantly rushing from one thing to the next, and it can be easy to lose touch with reality. But spending time in nature can help us slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

10 ways how to connect with nature

Now that we know why spending time in nature is so good, let’s go over a few simple ways of how to connect with nature or how to strengthen that connection if you feel like you’ve lost it.

Find a nature park or reserve nearby and spend some time exploring the trails

Finding a nature park or reserve nearby is a great way to connect with nature. These parks and nature reserves offer hiking trails that meander through forests, fields and wetlands, providing a perfect opportunity to experience all that nature has to offer. Additionally, many of these parks and reserves have educational programs and activities, which can help you learn more about nature and how to connect with it.

To get the most out of your walk, be sure to be present and don’t spend all your time posting nature stories on Instagram. Try to identify the different plants and animals that you see, and take a moment to appreciate how they all work together to create a beautiful landscape.

Plant a garden and spend time each day watering and caring for your plants

Planting a garden is a great way to connect with nature. Not only do you get to spend time outdoors, but you also get to watch your garden grow and blossom over time. Additionally, gardening is a great way to get exercise, as well as learn more about plants and how to care for them.

To get the most out of your garden, be sure to water and care for your plants regularly. This may include weeding, mulching and adding compost as needed. By spending time each day caring for your plants, you’ll form a stronger connection with them, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers or vegetables later on. This can even be as simple as growing a few little plants in your kitchen that you can later use when cooking a special meal.

Visit a local animal sanctuary

Visiting a local animal sanctuary is a great way to connect with nature. These sanctuaries offer visitors the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of animals, oftentimes these animals are rescued from a sure death from factory farming. Additionally, many sanctuaries offer educational programs and tours, which can help you learn more about the animals living there.

By visiting a local animal sanctuary, you’ll not only get to connect with nature, but you’ll also learn more about the animals that live there. This can be a fun and informative way to spend a day, and it’s sure to leave you with a better appreciation for nature and the animals that live in it.

Take a walk in the woods and listen to the sounds of the birds and animals around you

Taking a walk in the woods is another great way to connect with nature. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings, but you also get to listen to the sounds of the birds and animals around you. This can be a great way to relax and unwind, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level.

To get the most out of your walk, be sure to take your time and really soak in all the sounds and sights around you. Try to identify the different animals and birds that you hear, and take a moment to appreciate how they all work together to create a beautiful symphony. By taking a walk in the woods, you’ll not only connect with nature, but you’ll also learn more about the animals that live there.

Spend an afternoon at the beach listening to the waves and watching the seagulls

Visiting the beach is a great way to connect with nature. Not only do you get to enjoy the sun and sand, but you also get to listen to the waves and watch the seagulls fly by. This can be a great way to relax and unwind, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level.

The free feeling of being by the beach, reading a book or just people watching is something that I always enjoy and look forward to. The weather doesn’t need to be great, sometimes these seaside walks in a gloomy, chilly weather are the ones that are the most memorable. I love the feeling in the air right before a storm is about to brew, that’s watching nature in action! What better way to try and connect to nature?

Go for a hike in the mountains and take in the views of the surrounding countryside

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to connect with nature, consider going for a hike in the mountains. Not only do you get to enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside, but you also get to enjoy the fresh air and physical activity.

Not to mention that hiking is a great form of exercise and good for your physical health! Just be prepared and don’t overestimate your hiking abilities if you haven’t done it in a while. It’s important to have comfortable hiking boots, plenty of water and don’t forget about sunscreen!

Sit by a river or lake and watch the water flow by

If you’re looking for a more peaceful way to connect with nature, consider sitting by a river or lake and watching the water flow by. Not only do you get to enjoy the sound of the water, but you also get to enjoy the calming effect of being near nature.

Especially if you don’t live near the sea or the ocean, chances are you have a river or a lake somewhere nearby, which might be more accessible for people who live inland. And let’s be honest, listening to a river flow is IRL ASMR.

Spend time in your backyard observing the wildlife

On the days when parks and forests are hard to get to, all you need is your backyard. It’s a great way to connect with nature, by spending time in your backyard observing the insects, birds, and other wildlife that live there. This can be a great way to relax and unwind, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level, without taking too much time out of your day.

If you don’t have a backyard, take a stroll around the neighbourhood, find a bench under a tree and observe the ants and other little insects we don’t pay much attention to in our day to day lives. This will clear your mind and will let you escape the routine, even if just for a moment.

Take a camping trip and spend time outdoors under the stars

If you want to make a whole weekend out of connecting with nature, then camping is the perfect way to achieve that! Not only do you get to enjoy the outdoors, but you also get to enjoy the fresh air and physical activity. Plus camping can be done alone (if you’re brave) or with friends and can be a great bonding activity.

The fresh air, the clear skies and the feeling of a simpler life will take your mind out of the constant noise of our daily lives. Just be sure to research camping spots beforehand and bring enough equipment, food, warm clothes and let’s not forget bug spray!

Volunteer at a nature reserve or conservation area to help protect our natural ecosystems

Volunteering at a nature reserve or conservation area is an amazing way to connect with nature. This might be one of the more advanced ways to connect with nature on this list, but if you’ve done everything else and still feel like you want to do more, perhaps volunteering is for you! You can volunteer at animal sanctuaries, nature reserves or farms. Not only will you feel more connected to nature, you’ll actually feel that you’re actively doing something to make the world around us a better place.

There are many different programs you can find online that list different volunteering opportunities around the world. Such as GoEco who specialize in affordable and ethical volunteer projects abroad in over 40 countries. Participating in such programs can be a life changing experience that you’ll look back to for the rest of your life.

How to connect to nature: Conclusion

Nature has a way of restoring our minds and souls, and there are plenty of ways to connect with it. Whether you go for a hike in the mountains, sit by a river or lake, spend time in your backyard observing the wildlife, take a camping trip, or volunteer at a nature reserve or conservation area, getting in touch with nature is important for our overall well-being. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how beneficial it can be! Just remember to be safe out there!