IIn a world where burnout and hustle culture are ever present, embracing nature feels more important than ever. There is transformative power in harnessing our biophilia, our innate love for the natural world. Nature is not only a place where we go to relax, but also a place where we go to heal, find ourselves and reconnect with what matters most.
Amy Steadman, MSc, a London-based environmental psychologist, therapist and coach, says: ‘We are still physiologically and psychologically adapted to nature. We are part of 99.9 of human evolution. “We spend 10% of our time outdoors, so our minds and bodies are naturally adapted.” The body is still adapting to the natural world. ”
Since the pandemic, our need for nature has exploded, and the outdoor economy has followed suit. According to Statista’s 2024 report, the global outdoor gear market is expected to grow by 5.83% from 2024 to 2029, and the global hiking market is expected to reach $9.1 billion by 2028. Camping is also booming. According to Campgrounds of America’s 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the number of people who consider themselves “active campers” has increased by 68% to 21 million.
In this, more and more people are trading in well-maintained campsites and amenities (pre-built fire pits, outdoor plumbing, etc.) and moving on land (autocamping) or hiking into the backcountry. A new trend is emerging to enjoy an escape to more secluded natural spaces. Winter camping is also on the rise, as more campers band together and sleep outside year-round despite subzero temperatures and snowfall.
Beyond traditional outdoor recreation, people are finding new and creative ways to connect with nature. More and more travelers are interested in off-grid, “phone-free” experiences. Global searches for “digital detox retreats” increased by 50 percent from 2023 to 2024, according to a report by UK-based travel company Unplugged. Other adventurers book last-minute getaways to quieter, more affordable “side-trip destinations” or explore awe-inspiring destinations like the dark skies of Arches National Park or the 50-foot tides. People are booking once-in-a-lifetime trips to see this phenomenon. Bay of Fundy.
“There’s definitely been a huge increase in the nature-based experiences that people want when they travel, and I think that’s because most of us, 4.4 billion people, spend our time in cities,” Steadman said. “When I have time off, I want to spend it in nature.”
However, you don’t have to wait until you’re outside for the PTO to engage. Stedman specializes in ecotherapy, a psychological approach that uses the natural world as a therapeutic tool. In each session, Stedman and her clients take a walk through the woods, either in a traditional office or via Zoom, blending traditional psychology techniques with mindfulness and nature-inspired coaching. “Begin by practicing grounded breathing and paying attention to your sensations, such as by walking barefoot, before diving into deeper introspection,” she says.
From there, Steadman asks clients to search for objects that best reflect the goals and challenges they are experiencing. Students may also be asked to explain their “internal weather forecast,” which describes their feelings based on atmospheric conditions. “We become more expressive when we use other things to describe our feelings,” she explains. “And it’s a therapeutic way to unlock what’s in your unconscious and subconscious mind.”
Although the exercises vary from session to session, Steadman’s goal is always the same. It’s about people using nature to introspect, find perspective, and create meaningful change. And while she’s happy to coach people to get there, she also encourages people to go out on their own. “If you’re interested in the outdoors, why not try therapy there as well,” she says. “No matter where you are on the mental health continuum, research shows that nature may be the answer to moving you away from suffering and toward more thriving.”
Steadman offers five simple practices to incorporate more nature into your daily life so you can embrace nature wherever you are.
1. Find your space
Find a nearby place with trees, sky, and a safe, relaxing place, such as a garden, local park, or forest. Ideally, choose a location that you can easily go to every day so you can build a habit and connection to that particular location.
2. Practice careful observation.
Pick up a journal and write down what you hear or sketch what you see. “Too often we use nature as a place to get from point A to point B, or as a means of exercise,” Steadman says. “Be mindful of what’s around you and what you don’t normally notice, such as colors, textures, sounds, and scents.” Steadman says it’s similar to paying attention to your breathing during meditation. . Instead of focusing on inhaling and exhaling, you focus on what’s around you and become more present as a result.
3. Ground
Take off your shoes and stand on the grass (weather permitting, of course). Or sit against a tree and run your hands around its base. Make sure the soil is touching your skin. This is called grounding or earthing, and although it sounds woo-woo, it is scientifically proven to help you connect with Mother Earth.
“The Earth has an energy charge, so[grounding]it becomes a conductor for that current,” Stedman said. This electrical current is associated with a variety of health benefits, including reduced stress, improved sleep, and improved blood circulation. “It activates the vagus nerve, automatically sending your body into rest and digest mode.”
4. Throw away your phone.
Treat your outdoor space as a technology-free zone and consciously spend time away from your smartphone. “I tell people to trade screen time for green time, because taking some time to step away from[technology]can help you rethink your relationship with your phone.”
5. Embrace nature’s pace
“I ask my clients to walk at the pace they’re thinking about, and most of them start running,” Steadman says. “So I ask them to stop and look around at what’s going on in nature, and then shift to a pace that feels consistent with what they see. ) does not mean being very slow, but it does mean being cautious at all times.
Nature has many different rhythms, sometimes bustling with activity and other times calm and contemplative. Adapting to the surrounding environment and being aware of the seasons of one’s life can help to further enhance an individual’s sense of well-being.
