In our modern world, it's all too easy to feel disconnected from nature. Urban sprawl, the rapid pace of technology, and our increasingly digital lives have distanced us from the natural world. This disconnection has profound implications for our mental health and our relationships with others. As a coach, I often see the signs of this separation manifest in stress, anxiety, and strained interpersonal connections. I’ve also shared my own story in the past of the period of my life when I stepped away from my natural and wild being and how returning to Nature harnessed a simple, beautiful and resilient life, which I now get to share with others - through the work at Where the Mind Grows.
Clients often share with me, an uneasy and sad feeling, that's entangled with the Nostalgia of their childhood in Nature.
As if in their adult life, a piece of themselves got lost along the busyness of life.
The good news is that we can rekindle our relationship with nature and reap the rewards this mutually connected relationship offers for our well-being and bonds with others.
Its important to emphasise that rekindling and returning to Nature is not a one-way, extractive relationship in which Nature gives and we take. At Where the Mind Grows we see how clients ‘rewilding’ of themselves and their kinship with Nature unearths unexpected bonds, feelings and considerations of how to live in a way that cares for Nature too.
The Impact of Disconnection from Nature
The separation from nature has many detrimental effects on our mental health:
Increased Stress and Anxiety:
Nature has a calming effect, and when we are deprived of it, our stress levels can rise. Studies show that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and promote relaxation.
Reduced Resilience
Nature can teach us about adaptability and resilience. Witnessing the seasons change or understanding the life cycle of plants and animals can provide valuable lessons about growth, patience, and overcoming adversity.
Struggling with Clarity, Focus and Concentration:
Constant exposure to screens and technology can lead to mental fatigue. Nature, on the other hand, stimulates our brains in a different way, promoting creativity and mental clarity.
Strained Relationships:
When we are stressed or consumed by technology, our ability to connect with others diminishes. Nature plays a vital role in fostering communal bonds, as shared experiences in outdoor settings can strengthen our relationships.
Impactful Choices
People with a disconnected relationship from and with the natural world may take less action towards pro-environmental behaviours and may be making choices that harm our world more frequently with less awareness of the impact they can make with different choices.
Rekindling Our Relationship with Nature
Here are some ways you can rekindle your relationship with Nature on your own directive.
Schedule 'Nature Adventures' Treat your time in nature as you would an important appointment. Whether it’s a hike, a walk in the park, or a picnic, plan regular outings with friends or family to reconnect with the outdoors. This intentional commitment fosters both your wellbeing and enriching relationships.
Mindfulness in Nature: Practice mindfulness - or presence with yourself in Nature as I prefer to call it - while in natural settings. Engage your senses fully—notice the colors, sounds, and smells around you. This practice can help you feel grounded in the moment, reducing anxiety and enhancing your enjoyment of the environment.
Gardening: Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, gardening is a powerful way to connect with nature. The act of nurturing plants can be therapeutic, providing a sense of responsibility, fulfilment, and the joy of seeing growth and change.
Nature Walks and Conversations: Take your conversations outdoors. Walking is not only good for your body but also for your mind. Studies indicate that walking in nature can spark creativity and improve relationship dynamics as you both enjoy a shared experience away from distractions.
Digital Detox in Nature: Set aside your devices during nature outings. Engaging fully with your surroundings can dramatically improve your mood and promote genuine connections with those you’re with. I often introduce clients and teams to The Nesting Box a place you can craft/create to physically put your phone away for a while at home too!
Be part of your Community: Participate in community clean-ups, tree planting, or nature conservation activities. These communal efforts strengthen bonds with others while contributing positively to the environment.
So what can happen when you reconnect?
Re-establishing our connection with nature can yield transformative effects on our mental health and relationships:
Improved Well-Being: Regular time with and part of nature can lead to reduced stress, elevated mood, and enhanced emotional resilience. Individuals who engage with the outdoors report feeling more balanced and fulfilled.
Strengthened Relationships & Conversations: Shared experiences in nature create deeper connections with friends, family, and significant others. The joy of exploration and discovery naturally enhances communication and shared experiences. Share you Nature finds, delights and stories with others. This acts as an anchor to the feeling and experiences you share too helping you to rekindle your own positive emotions, in a moment.
Increased Presence: As you re-learn to appreciate the beauty around you, you’ll cultivate a sense of mindfulness that extends beyond nature. This heightened awareness can improve our interpersonal relationships and how we navigate life’s challenges. This physical replenishment of our biological body also is known to enhance our mind too, you may experience self-esteeming feelings or a deeper sense of your true self.
In a world that often prioritises busyness and digital interaction, it is crucial to remember ourselves as part of the natural world.
Rekindling our relationship with nature is not just a personal journey; it’s a communal experience that enhances our collective wellbeing and one that has the opportunity to make us more loving companions of our essential natural ecosystems.
As you step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the rhythm of the natural world, you bolster your own mental health enriching our relationships with ourselves and others.
So, let’s make nature a priority—after all, it is where we belong.
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