Are you continuously looking for ways to improve your mental health? Try adding more nature into your mental fitness routine!

Nature is incredible and beyond comparison. It holds secrets still unknown to humans, boasts intricacies beyond our imagination, and is moved by a force of its own.

Yet all too often we spend our days blindly walking by, ignoring the immense beauty that is all around us.

Why Nature is Important for Mental Fitness

While humans were originally intended to have a symbiotic existence with nature, we’ve evolved to become disconnected. And it’s not a good thing. 

It’s no doubt that the development of modern society has played an exponential role in the onset of mental health issues. But the disconnection with nature that has happened over the years only furthers our struggles with mental health.

Let me ask you this…

Have you ever been around someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, surrounded by nature? Maybe they are avid hikers, campers, climbers, or they travel a lot. Whatever their reason may be, what was their demeanor like? 

It was probably calm, at ease with the space and people around them, rather pleasant, and overall content. Perhaps they even possessed a childlike sense of wonder. 

That is because nature brings us back to our roots and introduces us to something bigger than the human existence. It allows us to shift our perspective and to open our minds.

Nature gives us the tools to become curious about life again and suppresses our inner judgmental voice. It gives us the space and freedom to embrace ourselves for who we are and allows us to let go of societal pressures. 

Connecting with nature helps us realize what is truly important in life, and helps us understand the essence of existence itself. 

Spending time in nature both improves your mental health and makes it easier to maintain mental fitness in general.

It’s Your Turn!

Do you want to reap the amazing benefits of connecting with nature?

The good news is you absolutely can!

And it is actually not as hard as it may seem. It doesn’t have to take a ton of time out of your day and it doesn’t require any special skills or travel.

The best way to get started is by walking out your front door and simply spending time in nature!

To help you out, I’ve put together a short list of some really great ways to begin incorporating nature into your mental fitness routine so you can start enjoying the benefits as quickly as possible.

For more tips on living in a way that supports your mental fitness, check out How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Mental Health.

Practicing Mental Health Care With Nature

Meditate Outdoors

Do you meditate regularly? Take that practice outdoors! It’ll give you a chance to breathe in the fresh morning air and experience nature as soon as you wake up. 

Meditating is always awesome, but meditating in nature will supercharge all of the benefits you’re already getting! It’ll also boost your rejuvenation levels and help you feel more energized to start your day from a place of calm. 

If you don’t meditate regularly, try starting a meditation practice outdoors and get in on all of the great benefits!

Do Yoga Outside

In a similar fashion, practicing yoga outdoors is also a great idea! Getting your body moving outside while breathing in fresh air will leave you feeling extra refreshed while also calming your mind. 

During an afternoon slump, I’ve often wanted to take a nap. Instead, I’ll do yoga for 10-20 minutes and by the time I’m done I feel as though I’ve taken the best nap ever! 

Try it the next time you’re feeling sluggish and be sure to get outdoors to really give yourself a boost.

Exercise in Nature

If it’s not too hot, take your exercise outside! 

Do a bodyweight circuit, go for a jog, or get that Pilates burn on. Going for a brisk 20-30 minute walk is a great way to workout in nature, as well. 

If it is hot, take a leisurely stroll and keep it shorter. Give yourself the opportunity to observe the nature around you as you pass by and admire its existence. Don’t forget water anytime you’re moving!

Journal, Draw, or Do Art Outdoors

Journaling or drawing outside is another great way to boost your mental fitness. Document your experiences outdoors to enhance your connection with nature. 

Write about how the wind makes you feel, or describe the appearance of the lake. Try drawing what you see or incorporate nature into your artwork by using leaves, sticks, flowers, or stones.

If you don’t want to write about nature or combine it with your artwork, journaling or doing any type of art outdoors will still bring you closer to nature just by being present in it.

To get started journaling, check out How to Create a Mental Health Journal.

Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

Take some time at least once a week to watch the sunrise, the sunset, or both. The colors of the sky and the vastness of it all can be more than inspiring. 

In the morning, the sunrise will help awaken your mind and leave you feeling ready to start the day. Plus, there is just something special about rising with the sun.

In the evening, the sunset will calm you and help your mind start winding down before sleep. It’s also a wonderful reminder of gratitude and provides an opportunity to reflect on the day.

Read Outside

Do you love to read? Then take your book outside with you! 

Find a comfy spot to sit – a hammock, chair, blanket, or right on the ground are all great options. Now you can spend your reading time soaking up the nature around you. 

You’ll get fresh air, some sunlight (even if you sit in the shade), and you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature around you. It’s definitely a win-win!

Become One With Nature

If you truly want to connect with nature, take some time becoming one with nature. 

Be barefoot outdoors so you can feel the earth beneath your feet and ground yourself. Let your roots flow into the earth and feel the earth’s energy flowing back into you. Lay on the ground without a blanket and feel the earth at every point of contact. 

Study nature, become curious about it, and explore it with an open mind to see what you might discover. You’ll gain an entirely new perspective that’ll support and enhance a healthy mind.

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There you have it, my friends! A few simple ways to begin connecting with nature and boost your mental fitness. 

And of course this list is not exhaustive. Get creative and find your own ways to connect with nature, too! 

No matter what you do, regularly getting outside, breathing in fresh air, and noticing the nature around you will have a huge impact on your mental health and help you manage it going forward.

So don’t wait any longer to incorporate nature into your mental health care plan! You’ll be so glad that you did!

Looking for more mental health support? Check out How to Manage Everyday Life with Mental Illness.