Thriving with Nature
In the midst of busy schedules and constant screen time, it’s easy to forget the importance of simply pausing. The Take15 campaign reminds us to take just 15 minutes each day to reset, recharge, and step away from daily pressures. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by spending time in nature.
This blog explores how connecting with the outdoors—whether through a short walk, gardening, or simply sitting outside—can support both your mental and physical wellbeing. Nature provides a calm, open space to unwind, helping you to switch off from the digital world and return feeling refreshed, more positive, and better able to cope with everyday life. Exploring nature comes with a heap of benefits to our health too, such as enhancing our mood, reducing our stress levels, boosting our self-esteem and even improving our physical health through whatever activity we find ourselves doing (MIND, 2025).
Nature prescribing:
Nature prescribing is a form of social prescription encouraging patients to spend more time outdoors in nature as a health activity. It has become quite popular in the United States in recent years however it can be implemented worldwide. Nature prescription can range from being unstructured to more formalised nature programs such as tours (Rariden and Kuhn, 2024). One study found that spending time in nature improved both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Rariden and Kuhn, 2024).
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is a broader concept that also centres on connection with nature. It focuses on doing an activity in nature or near a body of water. Ecotherapy relates to exploring and appreciating the natural world as well as spending time with other people (MIND, 2021).
There are lots of ways that you can give it a go.
If you’re near a beach, why not go for a refreshing swim in the sea to kickstart your day, or, if you’re by the mountains, try a sunrise hike and bring a picnic to experience the calmness of being outdoors. Even if you’re at home, gardening or eating outdoors is a perfect example of how to spend more time in nature. Other ways to explore nature, especially if you’re on holidays, is to rent bikes, go kayaking, or horse trekking through different terrains.
Remember!
Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and even more if you are exercising. It is also vital to wear SPF sun cream when outdoors, even if the sun isn’t directly shining on you. Sun cream protects your skin from UV rays, which are rays from the sun that can be harmful to your skin
If activities aren’t for you, take a book outside to read, be present and take in the sounds and smells of nature with some deep breathing exercises. Simply listening to birdsongs and observing animals in nature has been shown to promote wellbeing, reduce stress, improve mood, and reduce attention fatigue. The natural aromas from wood and plants have calming effects and reduces mental fatigue (Richardson et al., 2016).
Get out and explore the natural beauty of our planet this summer in whatever way works best for you!
References:
- MIND (2025). How nature benefits mental health. [online] Mind.org.uk. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/.
- Rariden, C. and Kuhn, A. (2024). An Introduction to Nature Prescribing: Health Benefits of Nature. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, [online] 20(10), p.105161. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2024.105161.
- Mind (2021). Ecotherapy. [online] www.mind.org.uk. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/ecotherapy/.
- Richardson, M., Cormack, A., McRobert, L. and Underhill, R. (2016). 30 Days Wild: Development and Evaluation of a Large-Scale Nature Engagement Campaign to Improve Well-Being. PLOS ONE, 11(2), p.e0149777. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149777.
