5 Different Ways to Connect With Nature
In times like this, we barely get to go outside or interact with other people. We can become distracted and easily irritated. Connecting with nature allows us to return to ourselves and get in touch with our feelings.
Being closed off in our houses can bring numerous negative effects on our mental health. That’s why connecting with nature is really necessary.
1. Go on a Walk
Going on a walk gets your heart rate up a bit and allows you to breathe fresh air. If you go out on a walk be sure to wear a facemask and avoid contact with others to keep yourself and your family safe.
While you are walking take time to breathe and look around.
Notice if there is a breeze or if you can see any animals. If you get the opportunity, hug a tree (yes, even if you look weird).
A hug will activate the releasing of the “feel-good” hormones in your body (serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins) and allow you to be happier and more creative.
Try clearing your mind and making sense of your surroundings.
2. Ground Yourself
Grounding yourself means experiencing the world actively. To connect with nature you need to focus on reconnecting with the earth and aligning your energy. There are several methods used to ground yourself. One of them is using a grounding mat to help you connect with the earth.
You can ground yourself by exercising and taking a cold shower. It is like activating yourself providing your body with energy from the earth.
Try to separate yourself from material things and meditate.
Grounding can have several benefits to your health such as improving chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and anxiety, or depression. If you want to ground your body to the earth rather than ground yourself mentally you may require some equipment if you can’t go outside, such as grounding mats.
3. Admire the Clouds
Looking at the clouds lets you connect with nature by admiring your surroundings.
Looking at the clouds whether the whole sky is gray or if you find yourself with a beautiful sunset lets you release emotions built up.
Trying to find shapes in the clouds or thinking about what you see up there will create space in your head and let you forget your worries for a while.
That is one of the benefits that nature provides to us, disconnecting for a while. Admiring the clouds will probably bring some nice ideas and thoughts.
Try seeing shapes and forms and have some fun! You can make it into a game.
4. Let the Sun Hit Your Face
Apart from having a ton of health benefits such as getting your vitamin D, lowering your blood pressure, and healing some skin conditions, the sun gives you energy.
Next time you sit next to a window and feel a little ray of sunshine on you, try to not move. Enjoy the heat and how it warms your skin. Connect with nature and allow the warmth to enter your body.
Sometimes you can pretend to be a little plant receiving food from the sun. This helps you get in touch with yourself and your skin. It makes you come back to yourself and to were you are.
Rays of sunshine through a window are a little gift from nature making you feel at home and surrounded by warmth.
5. Acknowledge Your Senses
We always have to remember that the best way to get in touch with nature is to get in touch with yourself.
Try to sit down for some minutes and don’t think about anything else. You have to believe that you are a part of nature.
Think about what you see and pay attention to everything you feel. From where are you sitting to how you feel internally, acknowledge the smell of your house and open a window let the air circulate, let the breeze in and relax.
Don’t let your mind drift concentrate on ur senses. Connect with yourself and feel everything around you.
Be one with your surroundings.
This will help you relax and hopefully feel the silence and peace that being in nature brings.
Always remember to be present.
