Being in nature is a simple, accessible way to recharge by spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, sitting in a park or just taking a walk around the block to get a break from daily life.
A beginner's guide to: Being in nature
unplugging, outdoor fix, getting outside
Get started with our being in nature practice instructions in our free mobile app
- • Identify focus areas for growth
- • Discover activities for improvement
- • Track and reflect on progress
- • Adjust your wellness routine
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Check out our safety recommendations.
Determine how much time you have and which outdoor locations are accessible to you.
Grab essentials like a hat, jacket, appropriate footwear and sunscreen if necessary.
Get yourself outside!
When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
Need a hand getting started? Our app is packed with beginner-friendly Practice Instructions for every activity—and way more where that came from. Hit the button up top and get moving.
What is being in nature?
Spending time in nature is one of the easiest ways to refresh your mind and body. Whether you’re taking a stroll through a local park, hiking in the mountains or simply sitting in your backyard, nature offers a break from the daily grind. It’s about disconnecting from screens, getting some fresh air and enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Many people find that even a short break outside helps them feel more revitalised and focused. If you’re feeling stuck indoors or overwhelmed, stepping outside can be a quick reset. Ready to get outside? Let's explore how you can easily incorporate more nature time into your daily routine!
What being in nature looks like
Why being in nature is good for you
Nature time reliably lifts mood, cuts stress and sharpens focus. You'll also experience enhanced creativity, curiosity and faster recovery from mental fatigue.
Strong stress relief
Focus area: Recovery (Impact rating: High)
Raises positive mood, lowers negative mood
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: High)
Clearer sense of feelings
Focus area: Emotional awareness (Impact rating: High)
Linked to improved stress coping
Focus area: Resilience (Impact rating: Medium)
Boosted creative thinking
Focus area: Creativity (Impact rating: Medium)
People who love being in nature
Jessica Watson
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Kate Middleton
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Andy Murray
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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Movie)
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Real people's experiences
Getting started on being in nature? Read this first
Ready to escape your desk and breathe in some fresh air? We get it! Nature's calling, and it's great for everyone. Before you head out though, we've gathered a few tips below to help make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.
Common styles
There are many ways to enjoy being in nature, depending on your preferences and surroundings. Here are some common styles of outdoor activities
Hiking
Forest bathing
Beachcombing
Urban walking
Safety
⚠️
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
⚠️
Consider the environment and prepare for any location specific requirements.
What you might experience
🤔
"Why do people keep saying this is good for me?"
😊
"Ok, I already feel a bit more relaxed."
😬
"It's so tempting to check my messages"
😌
"This is actually kind of nice."
💡
"I should do this more often."
Try being in nature today
- • Identify focus areas for growth
- • Discover activities for improvement
- • Track and reflect on progress
- • Adjust your wellness routine
What you need to know about being in nature
Let's compare three different ways to start being in nature for the first time: self-led (using online guided sources), group (IRL) and 1:1 with an instructor (online or IRL).
Compare
Recommendation for first-timer
Availability
Average cost per session
Special equipment required
Potential for socialisation & community
Safety & skill building
Space or privacy required
Ease of scheduling
Setup time
Active practice time
Unexpected advantages
Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia
The term "forest bathing" originates from Japan, where it's called "Shinrin-yoku.”
The practice of hiking for pleasure began in Europe in the 18th century.
Being in nature for just 20 minutes can significantly reduce stress levels.
When out in nature you might see bees communicating through a "waggle dance" to share the location of flowers.
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3 facts
Popular memes
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6 memes
Academic research we rate
Nature-Based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing in Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Review
Taylor, E. M., Robertson, N., Lightfoot, C. J., Smith, A. C., & Jones, C. R. (2022). Nature-Based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing in Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3214. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063214
Literature Review of Forest Healing Therapy on Korean Adults
Chae, Y. R., Kim, J. H., & Kang, H. (2017). Literature Review of Forest Healing Therapy on Korean Adults. Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science, 20(2), 122–131. https://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2018.20.2.122
Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review
Andersen, L., Corazon, S. S., & Stigsdotter, U. K. (2021). Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1416. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041416
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7 research pieces
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