Now, as winter approaches, it is time to make a commitment to integrate nature connection into daily life. Here are some suggestions on how to connect with nature even during the coldest months:
- Connect with nature first thing each morning, whenever possible. Prioritizing nature connection as part of your daily self-care in the morning will add exponential benefits to the rest of your day’s energy level.
- Spontaneous nature connections. Holding yourself hostage to extensive nature experiences might be overwhelming. Instead, allow yourself to spontaneously connect with nature with smaller doses that add up to larger, long-term benefits.
- Walking over driving. Okay — sometimes this is impossible, but even if you park your car further away and take the “scenic route” into work or the store, you can use the time to slow down, take some deep breaths, connect with your body/mind and observe the nature happening around you. You’d be surprised what you might see in the parking lot!
- Bring nature inside. This might include a Zoom call while looking out a window into nature, not at the screen; or a quick chat with a colleague while images of nature roll past on the computer screen; or even setting up a brown-bag with everyone bringing their office plants to show-n-tell. However possible, bringing nature indoors will give a brighter mood and outlook to everyone.
- Schedule seasonal breaks. Set aside one day each quarter to visit a place in nature that highlights the seasonal changes. This may be your own personal mental health day or a department/group activity; whichever, make it meaningful and memorable.
Find more ideas for guided nature connection activities online at Healing Forest.
Cover photo by Phil Zumsteg
Dr. Jean Larson is the manager of Nature-Based Therapeutic Services at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and is faculty lead of the Nature-Based Therapeutic Studies at the Earl Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing of the University of Minnesota.