Did you know that nature can help heal your anxiety?
I am electrified by hustling, bustling cities. I love the melting pot of sights and sounds, people and religions and cultures, art and food, and everything in between. Although it never ceases to inspire, it also has a way of squashing the seeds of sweetness and spaciousness we are all born with that, for many of us, are nourished by spending time in nature.
I cannot say that nature has 100 percent healed my pattern of type-A anxieties—fear of being disliked or letting someone down, among other things—but I can say that, like yoga, it dramatically enhances my well-being.
Being in any type of natural surrounding—for me personally, that means by the ocean—is like a long sigh of relief. It is an exhale, a hug, a comfy pillow or blanket, a sweet friend. I like to say that ocean and sunset are my favorite colors because to me there is nothing more heartwarming than witnessing this masterpiece. I was fortunate enough to visit the town of Oia in Santorini and, with a local beer in hand alongside foreigners and locals alike, watched the sun slide itself down from the sky to the sea. Like any unique travel memory, a piece of that special scene still exists within me. Click here to read more from Sasha Nelson.
Why Does Nature Help to Heal Your Anxiety?
Nature has an incredible way of grounding us. The simplicity of it—the way the wind rustles through the leaves, the steady sound of waves crashing against the shore, the birds singing in harmony—reminds us that life is beautiful in its raw form. We spend much of our lives surrounded by technology, notifications, and busy schedules, all of which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. Nature is an antidote to this overwhelm—a sanctuary where we can reconnect with ourselves and regain perspective.
Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in our bodies. The natural world, with its expansive horizons and simple rhythms, brings us back to the present moment. It encourages mindfulness without any effort—we begin to notice the crunch of leaves beneath our feet, the sound of wind, and the way light filters through the trees. It’s not about escaping responsibilities but rather finding a place where we can exhale, feel safe, and be at ease, if only for a little while.
How to Incorporate Nature into Your Life for Better Well-Being
For those of us who live in bustling cities, making time for nature might not always be easy. But even small steps can have a profound impact on our mental health. Here are a few ideas to help you incorporate nature into your daily routine:
- Visit a Park or Garden: You don’t need to drive for hours to find a place to immerse yourself in nature. City parks and botanical gardens can provide a much-needed break from the concrete jungle. Simply sitting on a bench and watching the birds or admiring the flowers can have a calming effect.
- Start a Garden: If you have a small outdoor space or even a windowsill, try planting some flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Caring for plants can be therapeutic—it’s a reminder of the importance of nurturing and patience. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a tiny seed sprout into a living plant that thrives.
- Take a Walk: Whether it’s a long hike in the countryside or just a stroll through your neighborhood, walking outside is a great way to connect with the environment. Leave your phone behind or put it on airplane mode and just pay attention to the world around you. Feel the ground beneath your feet, listen to the sounds around you, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Practice “Earthing”: Earthing or grounding means walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand. This simple activity is believed to help reconnect us with the earth’s natural energy. Whether or not you believe in its scientific benefits, there’s something undeniably freeing about the feeling of cool grass beneath your feet.
- Incorporate Natural Elements into Your Space: If you can’t always be out in nature, bring nature to you. Houseplants, flowers, water fountains, or natural scents like essential oils can bring a sense of calm into your home. Simply looking at greenery can help lower anxiety and improve mood.
Nature as a Complement to Therapy
While nature can be incredibly healing, it’s important to recognize that it’s not a cure-all, especially for those struggling with significant anxiety or mental health challenges. I cannot claim that all my anxieties melt away with a walk on the beach or a hike through the forest. Sometimes, we need additional support, and that’s perfectly okay. Therapy, for example, is another powerful tool that works in tandem with nature’s benefits. Sometimes, just talking through our anxieties with someone who understands and is trained to help can be life-changing.
If anxiety is something you’re dealing with on a daily basis, incorporating nature into your life can be a great step towards healing, but it should be part of a broader self-care toolkit. Seek professional help if you feel your anxiety is holding you back from living the life you want. Nature’s tranquility can be a wonderful complement to the hard work done in therapy—providing moments of solace, perspective, and connection.
An Invitation to Connect with Nature
I invite you to explore how spending time in nature might help you, whether it’s taking a walk along the beach, hiking through the forest, or simply sitting in a garden. Nature reminds us of the beauty and simplicity of life, encouraging us to be present and offering respite from our anxieties. It’s a powerful reminder that amidst the hustle of everyday life, there is always a place where we can come home to ourselves.
The world is full of incredible places waiting to embrace you. The mountains, the oceans, the forests—they all have their own kind of magic. And while I’m still a city lover through and through, I know that nature is the place where I can come to just be. It’s where I can take a deep breath and let go of everything that weighs me down. It doesn’t ask for anything from me, and sometimes, that’s exactly what I need.
Seek Support
Remember, you don’t have to navigate anxiety alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals for support. Sharing your feelings and concerns can provide valuable perspective and comfort.
If you find yourself overcome with anxiety this holiday season and want some extra support, don’t be afraid to reach out to us or schedule time to see one of our therapists. We know how overwhelming the holidays can be for some people and would be honored to support you.
Additional Resources to Heal Your Anxiety
5 Tips For Daily Management of Stress & Anxiety – Here are 5 simple things you can do on a daily basis to help manage and minimize your stress & anxiety, no matter what’s going on in your life.
Navigating Holiday Anxiety: Finding Serenity Amidst the Chaos – The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness… but for many, it can also bring about anxiety and stress.
Nicolle Osequeda, LMFT, is the founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling in Chicago. As a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, she incorporates Dr. Brené Brown’s research into her therapy. Nicolle holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Illinois and California. She is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT, a member of IAMFT, and the Financial Therapy Association. Nicolle has Gottman Method training and has taught at DePaul University, dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve meaningful change. 
