The Benefits of Being in Nature and Outdoor Wellness Activities to Help You Relax

Did you know that spending time outdoors can improve your health and wellbeing?

There are so many physical, mental, emotional and intellectual benefits of being outdoors.

I love outdoor activities that allow me to connect with nature!

As modern-day humans, nature isn’t always included in our everyday activities. Small changes like spending time outdoors could enhance your health and help you create a holistic wellness lifestyle. The more we practice healthy habits that make us happy, the more those habits become our lifestyle.

Take time to connect with nature and discover what you enjoy!

Hiking or taking wellness walks top my list of favorite outdoor activities.

Even if you’re not looking to exercise, the wellness benefits of nature or a walk are sooo worth the trip.

Wellness is multidimensional.

Beyond the physical benefits, walking, and being immersed in nature both have many emotional and mental wellness benefits too!

Back in 2015, I started hiking and fell in love. The long walk ((hike)) was therapeutic ((hiii nature)) and such AMAZING exercise. It was also my first time climbing a mountain! ⛰ #views

At the time I was earning my Masters in Healthcare Administration (Learn more about me and my education) and I went because that was the ((only 🤣 haha)) thing to do in Arkansas.

It was a pleasant surprise!

I’ve been in love with hiking ever since.

Hiking or taking wellness walks outdoors makes me feel really good and definitely helps me clear my mind.

You can walk anywhere, but doing it among nature is a #MajorGamechanger

Being amongst nature also happens to be really good for your overall well-being.

Looking for more ways to build a healthy, happy lifestyle? Enroll in the Holistic Self Care Course.

What are the benefits of being in nature?

Spending time in nature can have so many positive effects on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being!

The psychological benefits of being in nature are some of my favorites.

Here are some health and wellness benefits of nature:

✖️ Enhances Mood

I could be in a terrible mood, but once I start walking outside I feel so much better.

Usually, I forget what was worrying me or had me feeling uncomfortable.

Both walking and being in nature also stimulate creative thinking.

When I want to be inspired or think through a creative project, I’ll usually go outdoors or take a nice bath/shower.

Want to boost your mood with nature?

Try sitting outside on your porch or on a bench at your local park.

I prefer to do this alone if it’s to boost my mood, but you can also benefit if you’re with others too.

✖️ Increases Energy

If you’re tired or looking to reduce feelings of depression then getting outside can help.

Nature naturally eases negative feelings associated with depression and anxiety, while increasing feelings of happiness and relaxation.

✖️ Improves Sleep Quality

After feeling a huge improvement in my mood I also have some of the best sleep ever. Especially when I combine being amongst nature with a long hike or wellness walk!

✖️ Lowers Stress + Anxiety

Going outside is my go-to for relaxing if I feel like I can’t unwind while indoors.

Try a guided meditation or simply connect with your breathe while outdoors to help you relax.

Tips for connecting with your breath:

Do not speed it up or slow it down. Just notice each inhale and exhale. Appreciate each breath as it comes.

✖️ Reduces Negative Feelings Like Anger

If you’re upset or angry then being in nature may help you calm down.

Step outside for a breath of fresh air next time you feel frustrated and need a way to decompress.

✖️ Improves Ability to Focus

If you’ve seen my Instagram stories then you know that I WFH (including for 3 years before the COVID-19 pandemic) and enjoy going outdoors (usually for a brief wellness walk) throughout the day.

It’s a super healthy way to relax your eyes from technology and overall give your entire body a break from unhealthy habits.

Many of us work in sedentary jobs that do not naturally encourage movement throughout the day.

Whether you’re sitting all day at work or always on the go, stepping outdoors may improve your ability to focus and perform!

Being among nature also has a number of health benefits like:

✖️ Boosts immune system

✖️ Reduces muscle tension

✖️ Reduces blood pressure

✖️ Reduces the risk of chronic diseases

Use nature as a tool to prevent or even reduce the risks of unhealthy conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic diseases that tend to be common causes of death for many Americans.

Taking long or even short 5-10 minute walks can work well, but it is truly a treat when I can get away and go hiking at a state park.

Wellness Activities You Can Do Outdoors

1 // Earth/Ground Yourself

The benefits of earthing yourself/grounding are amazing!

How To Practice Grounding:

Remove your socks, shoes, and place the bare soles of your feet on the ground. Connect with nature here.

Feel the earth beneath your feet. Enjoy!

2 // Wellness Walk or Hike

Well with Brielle had its first in-person event in June 2019 and we went hiking!

Since then we’ve had multiple hiking events and other wellness events like yoga.

It was so much fun to get movement in for the day while making new friends during the event.

We did a 2.5-mile hike under the cool canopy of trees with occasional streams of water and practiced lots of stress reduction techniques like mindfulness!

The hike and wellness activities were led by me!

Light refreshments, water, and a gift were served as event babes enjoyed the self-care session that followed our hike.

For me, it was THE BEST feeling ever to go from dreaming, planning, and then executing my vision!

It was so good to meet everyone and I can’t wait to do it again once it’s safe to get together after the pandemic!

For some babes was their first time hiking!

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in nature and it makes me so happy when event attendees share that they loved the experience especially if they didn’t expect to.

As I mentioned earlier, that was me in 2015 when I took my first hike in Arkansas!

That’s actually been me with any new activity.

You never know what you will enjoy until you allow yourself to be open to the idea and try.

Have you taken a wellness walk or hike lately?

Walking is a great form of exercise and an easy way to start or maintain your fitness journey.

Yearround, I try to walk daily ((even multiple short walks throughout the day is great) and aim to get at least 10,000 steps each day.

Having a stepping goal keeps me focused and motivated.

Almost any environment or setting can be great for walking, but do make sure that you are safe.

Cars or animals may be a concern depending on where you go for your walk.

I’d recommend starting by walking at a local park or around your neighborhood.

Next, call up a friend and plan a day trip to your state park.

Spend some time walking and catching up.

You won’t even notice how much time has passed let alone all the great exercise you’re getting.

3 // Meditate

Guided Meditations are great tools to help you relax and gain mental clarity for specific desires.

Included below are some guided meditations I’ve created. You can also check out this blog post on how to meditate. It includes additional ideas on ways to meditate and is great for beginners or those looking to diversify their meditation practice!

access guided meditations

Here’s a Guided Meditation That’s Perfect for Outdoors:

For Additional methods to practice meditation check out this blog post.

4 // Take Photos

If you have a smartphone then you’re ready to start shooting!

Most smartphones have advanced features that allow you to take gorgeous, clear photos.

Not to mention there are many free apps available for download that are perfect for editing.

Capture your special time in nature (or have a photoshoot of yourself) and share your photos!

5 // Exercise

There are so many ways to get movement in.

Find your favorite form of exercise and then try taking it outside!

See how being in nature enhances the experience.

i love doing yoga outdoors!

6 // Read a Book

Imagine sitting outside and enjoying a beautiful view while you’re reading a juicy novel or Well with Brielle blog post! Ha!

Sounds like a peaceful movie scene, right?

It’s major vibes, babes!

7 // Write or Journal

I loveee journaling and what better place to do it than while relaxing in nature!

Grab your favorite journal and see what feels good.

You may create a poem, a story, or perhaps you’ll journal to connect within.

Pair this with meditation for extra self-care benefits!

8 // Draw, Paint or Do Something that Feels Creative

This can be fun to do with friends or loved ones.

Send the supply list beforehand and everyone can bring their own supplies. You could also host the activity by bringing all the supplies and having everyone meet you at the outdoor location. I’ve done this with my family. We went to a local state park, walked a bit to find a nice spot near water, and then spent a few hours painting. We chose watercolors, but really any kind of art would be great!

9 // Have a Picnic

Bring your own food to the park or maybe sit in your backyard.

Use this time to slowly digest your food and enjoy nature.

Consider even having a mindful bite, which is one of the meditation activities described above.

10 // Play Games

Games are fun and definitely promotes feelings of happiness.

There are a variety of games that can be played outdoors.

Find something that stimulates you mentally or gets you moving.

Play with others or solo outdoors.

11 // Enjoy Nature!

Keep it simple and get outside.

Look all around you. Inhale deeply to smell the scents and listen to what you hear.

What to Pack for Outdoor Activities:

Fitness Waist Pack (I’m wearing a black one in the last picture)
I love using this to store my cell phone, chapstick, and other items. I’ve used it while running, working out and especially during hikes. It fits a lot without being heavy or something I have to carry.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while outdoors moving and in the sun. Replenish often with water and take breaks when it feels good. Lately, I’ve been trying to improve my water intake. Using this bottle, I can fill it once for the day and easily keep track of my progress. I would bring something smaller if I’m hiking, but this is great for stationary activities outdoors like a picnic, cookout, or painting.
Healthy Snacks
Light Jacket
Blanket, Yoga Mat, or Towel