Do you feel a sense of calm and peace when you watch the slow ripples of a pond, catch a fragile snowflake on your tongue, or witness a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of a nearby tree? Intimate moments of serenity in nature can provide the perfect escape from life’s chaos and worries. That’s why we should all take a moment for ourselves and embrace the greatness of what the outdoors has to offer.
1. Seek Serenity in Nature: Why Explore the Great Outdoors?
Exploring the great outdoors is the perfect way to reset and find much needed serenity in nature. Taking in the calming landscapes of nature can help us ground ourselves and feel more relaxed, more connected and more alive!
Unwind in Nature
- Exhale a deep breath – Notice how the fresh air is so much different from the air inside our homes, offices and other buildings.
- Walk with intention – Aimlessly wander and allow your mind to really clear.
- Be at one with nature – Listen to the birds sing, relish in the aroma of fragrant wildflowers, and appreciate the feeling of raindrops on your face.
Hone Your Photography Skills
- Capture the landscapes and view them later to draw on feelings of serenity.
- Challenge yourself to find beauty in familiar or often overlooked places and scenes.
- Make a photo journal of your adventures and see how your views and perspective shifts
over time.
Eat in Nature
- Pack a picnic and find a space to sit and enjoy the company of nature.
- Take time to sit and listen to the silence which can often be more magical than the sounds of nature.
- Turn off the music, devices and TV and be in the present moment.
Explore New Areas
- Do some research to see what new areas are in your vicinity to explore.
- Find your own set of trails and explore the paths less traveled.
- Make it a game or a challenge to find new places you have never been before.
Exploring the great outdoors offers endless possibilities for adventures into nature. It can be as simple and unstructured, or as challenging and intense as you need it to be. There are so many benefits to be gained and mental health breaks required, by seeking serenity in nature.
2. Harness the Benefits of Nature – Find Your Bliss
When it comes to finding your bliss, look no further than the natural world around you. Exploring the wonders of nature is a delightful way of calming your thoughts, unwinding your emotions and recharging your creative spirit. From emerging yourself in a wildflower field to lounging by a serene lake, the options to embrace nature are limitless. Here are some of the most rewarding ways to make the most of the great outdoors:
- Walk in the Woods – Find solace in the tranquility of the forest. Take in the gentle swaying of foliage and tune out the buzz of modern life. A walk in the woods can ease stress and bring clarity to your mind.
- Visit the Beach – Lay out a blanket and listen to the waves roll in. The rhythm of the shore is a natural way to purify your senses and reconnect with your innermost emotions.
- Climb a Mountain – There is nothing quite like the breathtaking experience of reaching the summit of a mountain and relishing at the beauty of the rays of sunshine beaming across the horizon.
- Gaze at the Night Sky – Admire the vastness of the star-studded sky away from the glare of city lights. Reassure your spirites with the reflected glimmer of distant constellations.
- Catch a Sunrise – Rise early to see a brilliant sky of oranges and pinks, and be enchanted by its beautiful energy as the day begins.
Whether the wilderness is a few steps away or a plane ride away, it always beckons. Take some time to take in Nature, breathe in the outside air and fully enjoy its restorative effects. Find an activity that works for you, and start discovering the immense power of nature to bring you peace.
3. Reconnect with the Great Outdoors – Soak Up the Drama of Nature
Wander Through Wildflower Meadows
Gathering wildflowers has been practiced throughout history as a means of reconnecting with nature. Throw on a comfortable pair of sneakers and meander through wildflower meadows while taking in the vibrant colors, sweet scents, and peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors. If you’re lucky, you might even see a variety of animals grazing in the meadows or butterflies cruising between the flowers.
World of Waterfalls
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the raw power of nature at its finest. Spend the day exploring the interconnecting world of cascading waterfalls. You can take a dip in crystal blue pools or hike up the rugged terrain without worrying about the stresses of everyday life.
Stroll Along Wild Coastlines
Escape the norm and venture out to explore the beauty of rugged coastlines. Keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary as you amble along the shore. There’s something special about basking in the sun rays while cheekily avoiding the crashing waves. Don’t forget to take in the gorgeous views with a seaside picnic.
Night Time Adventure
As the sun sets, the world becomes an entirely different place. Bust out your headlamp and go on a nocturnal adventure. Stargazing is an exciting way to observe nature in a different light. Get lost amongst the constellations and appreciate the simplicity of the nightly sky.
Things to Take Along:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Food and snacks
- Camera
- Flashlight or headlamp
Wherever you choose to explore, you can enjoy connecting with the drama and beauty of the great outdoors. Remember to stay safe, bring the essentials, and soak up all the gorgeous sights and sounds.
4. Learn to Appreciate the Simple Pleasures of Nature – Live Life Outdoors
Living life outdoors can be a wonderful way to appreciate the simple pleasures of nature. From waking up to the sound of chirping birds, to watching a sunset from atop a hill, to discovering beautiful wildflowers blooming across a meadow, there are many joys to be found when we explore the outdoors. Here are four simple habits that can help you appreciate nature more and truly live life outdoors:
- Get off your phone and devices. Technology is great for connecting and learning, but it can be easy to forget about the real world when you spend too much time with digital devices. Make a habit of exploring outdoors without your phone and trying to connect with nature instead.
- Go camping – there is nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars. Camping can be an incredible way to appreciate nature up close, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Go on hikes or long walks. Take the time to explore the outdoors and see the world up close. Breathe in fresh air, enjoy the scenery, look closely at flowers, take pictures, and let nature be your inspiration.
- Learn about nature. Immerse yourself in its beauty and diversity. Learn about plants, trees, birds, and the environment around you. The more you know, the more meaningful your outdoor experiences are likely to be.
Start small and take it slowly. Appreciating nature does not have to involve pushing yourself to the limits or taking on big challenges. Start with small steps, such as getting off your phone for a few hours, going on a short walk, or exploring a local park. As you become more comfortable with the outdoors, you can gradually increase your activities.
Embracing the outdoors can open our eyes to the beauty of nature and help us reconnect with our environment. When you take the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of nature, you can truly leave the stress of the world behind and live life outdoors.
No matter how packed your schedule may be, finding solace in the great outdoors can be a simple and important remedy for the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, go ahead and take the plunge – venture out into the world of nature, reconnect with yourself, and embrace the serenity that only the great outdoors can bring.
Nature knows best, and it’s inviting you to come and see for yourself.