Earth day is an internationally recognized day of celebration for the wondrous, awe-inspiring planet that we live on.
It is also a day meant to bring awareness and education around the many ways we can better care for it.
There are certain core memories I have that remind me of my all-encompassing connection with nature. All of these memories are entrenched in my mind and soul as moments of coming back to something.
- The smell that trees in the forest give off after the rain.
- The way fresh dew looks on the grass in the morning light.
- The crunch of fallen snow on a powdery, tree-covered trail
- The sound of the waves crashing against a rocky shoreline.
- The warm embrace of sunshine after a long, cold winter.
Our connection to nature is something that many of us hold sacred. But all too often, we disconnect from our natural surroundings due to the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. It is only in the moments of reminder, watching a beautiful sunset, or going on a day-long kayaking trip that in the words of Celine Dion, it’s all coming back to me now.
Sharing this connection with nature and the world around us can feel like coming home. As if we have unconsciously been deprioritizing a part of our soul to our email inbox or the next binge-worthy show on Netflix.
Nature Connectedness refers to the way we relate to nature and experience nature. When we have a strong connection with nature we are more likely to make pro-environmental choices. So intentionally connecting with nature is a win-win scenario.
In today’s article, we’re going to talk about the theories that support our connection with nature. We are also going to cover the many therapeutic effects it has on us.
Nature & Theory
We have heard it countless times, so why the heck is spending time in/with nature so stinking good for us? Well, the academic community has two key theories as to why that is.
Attention Restoration Theory
This theory states that spending time in nature has a uniquely restorative effect on us, both cognitively and mentally.ART believes that through a four-step process, nature has to ability to help us improve our focus and ability to concentrate
Stress Reduction Theory
This theory states that when we spend time in nature or even just look at natural elements we see an increase in positive emotions. This in turn helps us complete the stress cycle and helps ease us into a restorative state.
Aside from being a purely enjoyable experience, when we make time to connect with nature we see benefits that affect every other area of our lives.
- Increase in positive emotions
- Better immune systems
- Reduction in vision problems caused by technology
- Positive effect on exercise habits
Both of these theories rely on availability and proximity to nature in order to reap its benefits. For urban dwellers (like me) it can be a bit more challenging to connect with nature than our rural friends, but not impossible.
5 Ways to Connect with Nature this Earth Day
Spend time in different nature settings
From seaside cliffs to tree-covered hiking trails, to rolling farmlands, there are many different nature settings we can spend time in. There is some really interesting research coming out right now about the different effects that each category of nature setting can have on us. Survey your local natural resources and plan to hit us a few different spaces and see how you feel at each one.
Get your hands dirty
Something interesting happens when we get our hands in the dirt. It feels as though we are kids again, playing in the backyard searching for bugs and creatures to call our own. If the thought of a sliming bug dude creeps you out – may skip this recommendation. But if not, think of ways you can spend time in the dirt. This could be planting a raised flower bed or joining a community garden and getting your hands dirty.
Do an outdoor workout
Do you remember at the beginning of the pandemic when the only option was to work out outside or in our living rooms? I don’t know about you, but I spent a lot more time outdoors in those months. If you are a gym person, why not try switching it up one day this week? Find creative ways to get your planned movement done in an outdoor setting. I have recently added one 30-minute rollerblading session to my weekly exercise plan (I am loving all the fresh air and Vitamin D).
Go to a farm
The therapeutic use of farming and farm animals is big in the therapy world from the night. From equine therapy to goat yoga, humans are naturally inclined to connect with the beautiful animals found on the farm. Other farming practices including agriculture and horticultural techniques are also proven to help improve our overall wellbeing, so pack a bag and head to a U-Pick near you.
Meditate with nature
Did you know that you are more likely to stick with a complete mediation program if it is done outdoors? The soothing sounds of nature can help us enter into a meditative state. This truly allows us to disconnect from the pressures of today’s high-paced world. If you can get outside, find some nature sounds on youtube to play during your next meditation session. You will see how easy it is to transport yourself into a beautiful natural environment.
I hope this article provided you with some information on the therapeutic benefits of nature as well as a few ways you can rekindle your connection with nature today.
I’d love to know your biggest takeaways in the comments below!