Connect with nature! That’s something many people have talked about during the pandemic.
For some people, especially young kids, it’s their second nature. But for others, it’s unknown territory. Or at least they feel that way.
Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. But connecting with nature is super beneficial for your health & wellness. And it also helps you get through any challenge you may have.
In this article, I’ll explain 7 Fun Ways to Connect with Nature and their benefits.
7 ways to connect with nature
#1. Get up Early & Go for a Walk
It may not be the easiest for some people. But as the saying goes: “An early bird gets the worms.”, there is something special about getting up early. So go for a short walk to find out what it is for you.
Not only does the sunrise give you the energy to start your day, but it also provides you with serenity. So you can tune into yourself and the environment around you. By doing so, you naturally utilize your 5 senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell). That has a huge impact on our life.
Get up early and connect with nature to help you begin your day with positivity and get you inspired!
Tip: If you need any motivation to get up early, read “THE 5 AM CLUB” by Robin Sharma.
#2. Go Hiking
If going for a walk in the first step, the next step is hiking.
When we step out of our daily life, we recognize the pure beauty in nature. It inspires us in many different ways, and sometimes philosophical ways.
For instance, a waterfall is formed by a small amount of water to begin. Using that logic means our daily actions can eventually turn into a big change.
Another obvious benefit of hiking in nature is getting a fair amount of exercise. It depends on where you go, but nature often challenges us to get a workout! After that challenge, go ahead and dip your feet or swim in some lovely water!
Tip: Make it into a family hike or hike with friends to share a fun time!
#3. Go Camping to Connect with Nature
Many of you might have done some camping before. It’s the best way to connect with nature and see/learn perspectives. After a few days of camping, you’ll appreciate what you have. Something like a clean bathroom and running water.
And if you want to challenge yourself, Backcountry Camping is the next step! (That was my friend and my case!) Unlike drive-in camping, it requires a lot of planning. But don’t worry, there are great resources for beginners.
Another valuable lesson we get is about the beauty of simplicity. The more stuff we have, the less happy we become. We often look for things to make us happy while true happiness is within us.
Going camping surely allows you to reflect on what’s important in your life. At the same time, you gain confidence by overcoming a challenge. Setting small goals for the future!
#4. Gardening
Gardening is also a great way to connect with nature. To clarify, gardening is not all about growing flowers. When you garden, you are aware of your surroundings. Yes, you become a part of nature!
For instance, the buzzing sound of bees and the pecking sound of a woodpecker as they play music for you. And if you are lucky, you can play the eye spy game. When you start noticing things, that means you are fully present in the moment.
If that’s rewarding, imagine the big reward that awaits you when you grow food. Do you remember the taste of fresh fruit and veggies from your childhood? There is nothing better than homegrown food!
One day, a farmer named Phil told me that he always looks to the future. Even with his lifetime career, he has things to improve. It’s so true, gardening motivates us to become lifetime learners.
Gardening is certainly for everyone to enjoy and it keeps us healthy.
#5. Cook meals with seasonal ingredients
What about cooking meals with your home or locally grown food? Even if you aren’t a gardener, growing herbs will give you joy. Also visiting local farmland gives you a sense of each season, and creates a community.
In Japanese culture, eating seasonal food is valued because it increases our immune system. I remember my mother was always happy to get the first of the season food!
Even when you are busy, try to get quality ingredients to prepare meals. After all, we are what we eat.
Cooking with fresh ingredients keeps us healthy and aligned with nature. That is the ultimate goal for our well-being.
#6. Connect with nature by taking photos
Taking photos of nature is probably one of the easiest things you can do to connect with nature.
Although some people prefer to be unplugged, Using a camera is a great way to be engaged with nature. It allows you to share your story with others. Additionally, taking photos makes you aware of your surroundings. By doing so, you start discovering things you’ve never seen.
For instance, I never knew my bamboo got morning dew. If I didn’t spend any time in the garden, I wouldn’t have discovered the beauty.
One of the best times is the golden hour (early morning) because of the serenity. You’ll find something special, and people appreciate the natural beauty you share.
#7. Bring nature inside
Especially for busy people, bringing a piece of nature into your living space is ideal. For example, creating a flower arrangement or a natural material wreath provides peace in a fast-paced life.
As a matter of a fact, while you arrange flowers, you are meditating through your creation. Japanese Ikebana, a type of flower arrangement, requires your connection to the materials and environment you are in.
Bring seasonal plants or items into your space as a way to help you relax/refresh.
What do you think of these 7 ways to connect with nature? I hope these ideas inspire you to spend more time outside. At the same time, I’m wondering which one you would like to incorporate into your life.