Mindfulness in Nature

During this time, you may be feeling suspended in change – event changes, employment changes, class changes, housing changes, diet and exercise changes, daily and weekly routine changes, social life changes – you name it! 

All these abrupt shifts and evolving situational factors can lead to real feelings of disappointment, grief and uncertainty, as well as a serious lack of grounding. However, one thing that remains available and constant during this time is nature and the opportunity that we have to connect with and enjoy what it has to offer.

Try out our following grounding excercises and learn about the ways nature can benefit your mental well-being!

Grounding Techniques:

Grounding techniques are relaxing and gratifying activities that decrease stress and anxiety. When you are anxious, you are out of touch with the present moment. These techniques can help you reconnect to the present and feel calmer and safer in the here and now. Nature can be the ideal environment to practice grounding because of the many ways you can attend to your senses in your surroundings, whether that be in a forest or in your backyard. The most general and comprehensive way to practice grounding in nature is to mindfully notice 3-5 things that you can see, smell, taste, hear and touch in your immediate environment.

You may be stuck “at home” but you CAN go outside!

Exposure to and connection with nature has been shown to provide a plethora of amazing benefits to human wellness including: 

• Strengthened immune function
• Stress reduction
• Restored attention and improved cognitive function
• Supported mindfulness and meditation practice
• Improved physical fitness
• Strengthened social connection
• Improved self-esteem
• Improved mood 

 …and so much more! 

These areas of wellness are always important, and they remain vital for us to support and strengthen during this global pandemic, when sustained physical and mental health are so essential to our continued resilience and adaptation. There are so many ways, big and small that you may connect with nature and experience the wide array of benefits that it provides.

We encourage you all to get outside and connect with nature. Our hope is that these activities will help facilitate renewed joy, peace, connection and creativity in your lives.