Connecting With Nature: 7 Simple Practices To Deepen Your Relationship With Nature In 2024

Written By Hugh Asher

6th January 2024

Sun filtering through the canopy of a forest

In a today’s world where technology often dominates our attention and the jungle is more often made of concrete than foliage, there are still ample opportunities to connect with nature to benefit our health and wellbeing.

Picture this: a serene forest, the sun is filtering through the canopy, the air is rich with the fragrance of pine, and the gentle rustle of leaves creating a natural symphony. There is a profound connection between humans and the natural world, a bond that has been scientifically proven to benefit our mental, emotional, and physical health.

In this article we describe seven simple yet effective practices to deepen your relationship with nature.

Unplug and Be Present

Start by disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself fully in the natural environment, at least for a little while!
Connect with nature through all your senses - listen to the rustling leaves, feel the texture of tree bark, inhale the earthy scents, and observe the intricate details of the natural world around you.

A young man sitting in nature

Find Your Sit Spot

‘Sit Spot’ is a nature-connection practice that involves finding a (preferably quiet) spot in nature and spending time observing the intricate details of the natural world around you.

This practice encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to the natural environment. By immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature, you will experience a range of benefits. Regular Sit Spot practice cultivates a heightened sense of awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of nature and its rhythms. It offers moments of tranquility, reducing stress, and promoting mental clarity and creativity. Moreover, regularly practicing Sit Spot encourages patience, fosters a sense of gratitude, and enhances your overall wellbeing by nurturing a profound connection to the natural world and a greater appreciation of its beauty.

Practice ‘Shinrin Yoku’

Forest bathing, known as ‘Shinrin Yoku’ in Japan, where it originated, involves intentionally immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest, engaging all your senses to connect deeply with nature.

Encountering nature through Forest Bathing isn't merely a walk in the woods; you engage all your senses as you explore the forest - touch the rough bark of trees, listen to the birds singing or the rustling leaves, inhale the earthy scent, and observe the play of light filtering through the canopy. Studies have shown that Forest Bathing reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system as well as many other benefits

Perhaps start by practicing mindfulness for a few minutes while you are next walking in nature. Focus on each step, the sensations in your body, and the sounds surrounding you. Walking mindfully can deepen your connection with the environment and bring a sense of calm and serenity.

Silvotherapy

Silvotherapy sessions are usually shorter than Forest Bathing sessions - lasting about 20 to 40 minutes in duration - often involves connecting more directly with the trees to harness their healing properties and have a greater focus on the sensations associated with touch and actual physical contact with the trees than Forest Bathing. Spend some time leaning against a tree, feeling its steady presence and absorbing its tranquility. Explore the trees with your eyes and your hands.

Try Barefooting

Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the ground. Feel the earth beneath your feet, connecting with its energy.

This practice is believed to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and promote relaxation by absorbing negative ions from the Earth and helping to balance the body's electrical charge.

Start Nature Journaling

Keep a nature journal to document your experiences. Write about the feelings that arise during your encounters with nature. Sketch the landscapes or interesting plants and animals you encounter, and the natural elements that inspire you. Reflecting on these moments can help in understanding your connection with nature and its impact on your wellbeing.

You can read our more in-depth article on nature journaling here.

Create a Nature Routine

Incorporate nature into your daily routine, even if it's just for a few minutes. Whether it's tending to plants, taking a short walk, or gazing at the sky, these small rituals can help maintain your connection with nature amidst a busy lifestyle.

If you would like support making nature-connection a greater part of your life, have a look at our Nature-Based Wellbeing Plans.

Remember, the key is not just to exist within nature but to actively engage your senses and consciousness, allowing nature to heal, inspire, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your relationship with nature blossoms into something truly enriching and fulfilling.

If you have enjoyed this article and would like to support what we do by donating £2 or more to buy saplings to plant, please follow the link below:

 
 
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Hugh Asher

I’m Hugh and I’m a Certified Forest Bathing Guide and Forest Therapy Practitioner, having trained with the Forest Therapy Institute and the Forest Therapy Hub. My purpose in life is to inspire people to improve their wellbeing, and to help people to help and inspire others to improve their wellbeing. I do this through promoting greater nature connection as I am a passionate believer in the benefits to health and wellbeing that nature and increased connection to nature can bring.

Professionally, I have worked for over twenty years supporting people experiencing: mental health problems; autism; learning disabilities; school exclusion; experience of the care system; and a history of offending behaviour. Currently I am the ‘Recovery Through Nature Lead’ in a residential rehab for people experiencing drug and alcohol problems.

I have a PhD in Therapeutic Relationships, but Dr. Hugh makes me sound too much like a Time Lord.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-asher/
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