Back to Nature: 15 Ways to Find Serenity in the Great Outdoors

Inside:  Get back to nature to unclutter your mind from the everyday stresses of life.  Any season is the right season to go hiking and destress while embracing the importance of nature in our lives. *Note:  there are Amazon links in this post.  If you click I might earn a small commission but always at no cost to you.*

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Getting back to nature is a great way to calm your mind and learn more about the value of nature.  During any season, do you think about getting outdoors more, but then have trouble actually following through? If you feel overworked and stressed, it’s time to find your inner peace again. But how can you find serenity in a calamitous world? Take a deep breath and head outdoors to your favorite national park, local walking trail, bird estuary, or forest. You’ll recapture your sense of calm when you spend some time in nature.

Be Physically Prepared to Get Back to Nature

1. Be comfortable. Dress comfortably and take plenty of beverages and snacks. This is easy if you’re driving the car to your special nature spot. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.
2. Avoid distractions. If you take your cell phone, turn it on silent mode to avoid being alarmed by its ringtone. For now, you plan to exchange your own world for that of the park or forest.
3. Walk on well-marked paths. Ensure you can find your way back.

Be Mentally Prepared

4. Forget about the noise going on in your head. Allow the stressful thoughts to float away. Just let go of all the pressures. You’re in one of your favorite places now. No worries exist there!
5. Listen to the sounds that surround you. Maybe the trees are rustling in the wind, the birds are singing, or you hear an animal call.

Get Back to Nature to Relax

6. Use visual cues to relax. Leave your world behind. Look around and notice all the green trees. See the dirt path, the tiny ants crawling on a log, and the spider web.
7. Steep yourself in the smells of your surroundings. What is that fragrance? A hint of honeysuckle? The woodsy fragrance of pine? Breathe in and breathe out consciously.

8. The tactile sensations come next. Are the leaves of a bush lightly brushing your arms? Are you challenged to keep your footing on the bumpy path? Physically coming into contact with nature is an important part of the experience, in addition to the sights, sounds and smells.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9.  Be aware of what the air feels like. You can most likely tell that summer is here. It’s a clean, fresh, crisp feeling with a hint of heat in most places. Maybe the sun is shining or perhaps you’re deep in a thicket of trees where it’s dank and mossy.

Learn from the Critters

10. Look for the critters in the woods. A pair of binoculars can be helpful for this.  Maybe you’ll spot a raccoon or a squirrel. Observing other mammals is fascinating and you’ll learn something every time you watch an animal.  Bring a guidebook for your local wildlife and plant life.  I like to know what I’m seeing.  You never know when you’ll encounter something new to you.
11. Notice the birdcalls. Perhaps two or more birds are talking to one another.

Use Nature to Help with Self-Care

12. Visit a pine forest. If you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a pine tree forest, consider visiting this awesome example of nature’s Zen experiences. Sit down on a bed of pine needles and just be.
13. Think about gratitude. What are you grateful for in your life? Focus on the simple things. “I love my chair in the living room with my books piled high next to it.” “I’m grateful for the sunset I see each evening from my kitchen window.” “I’m grateful for having eyes to see and hands that work for me.”

 

14. Reflect on your accomplishments. Toward the end of your nature visit, give yourself a pat on the back for a difficult situation you’ve made it through recently.
15. Enjoy the peace. Realize that right at this moment, you feel a sense of calm, peacefulness, and serenity that you can return to any time you want, simply by visiting this wonderful corner of nature.

 

Immerse yourself in the experiences of nature. Allow yourself to be keenly aware of the sights, sounds, smells, and atmosphere around you. Don’t forget to bring your journal and record all of your experiences.  Journaling is an excellent tool for self-care.  Record your sights, sounds and feelings as you connect to nature.  See for yourself why it so important to protect nature.  No matter where your favorite outdoors spots are, visit them regularly to return to what’s most important: You and the health of our planet!

Read More About Hiking and Nature Journaling

• Plan Nature Hikes Your Children Will Love
• A Nature Journal for Kids Creates Respect for the Earth