Listen.
Lately, life has been trying me — and not in the cute, “she’s building character” way. Since losing my sweet Nannie and dealing with chronic pain that just won’t quit, my mental health has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride… and not the fun theme park kind. Grief, exhaustion, and frustration have been tagging along like bad background singers, and frankly, I’m over it.

With the help of my amazing psychologist, a little (okay, a lot) of talk therapy, some tweaks to my medication, and a new commitment to real self-care — not the bath bomb kind, the actual “take care of your mind and soul” kind — I’ve decided it’s time to get back on track. Gently. Intentionally. At my own gloriously messy pace.

And one of the best ways I’m doing that?
By getting my stubborn, tired self outside and letting nature do what it does best: heal.

You don’t have to be some hiking, crystal-wielding wilderness guru to feel the magic.
Even just 10 minutes plopped outside can shift your mood, ground your body, and start to lift some of that heaviness we all carry. Here’s how:

1. Nature Lowers Stress Levels (Without Charging You for a Membership)

Research shows that spending time in green spaces actually lowers cortisol, the “you’re freaking out” hormone. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes of “nature time” can chill you out in a very real, very scientific way — and honestly, sometimes even less will do.

So the next time life feels like a runaway shopping cart headed straight for you, step outside. Find a tree, a cloud, or even a slightly aggressive patch of grass. Just look at it. Breathe. Let the earth babysit your stress for a minute.

2. Grounding Restores Emotional Balance (And It’s Free)

Grounding — also called “earthing” if you’re feeling fancy — is just a science-y way of saying: take your shoes off and touch the dang ground.
Emerging research says grounding can help reduce inflammation, boost your mood, and even improve your sleep. (And no, it doesn’t require a yoga mat or a retreat to Bali.)

Try it: kick off those shoes, stand barefoot in the grass like you’re starring in a wholesome indie film, and just feel it. Textures. Temperatures. The earth saying, “Hey girl, I got you.”

3. Sunlight Boosts Your Mood Naturally (No Vitamin D Gummies Required)

You know that feeling when you finally step into a sunbeam after being trapped inside for days? That’s not just nice — it’s science.
Sunlight triggers serotonin production, making you feel happier, more grounded, and less likely to rage-cry over small inconveniences (ask me how I know).

Even if it’s cloudy, getting outside still helps regulate your body’s internal clock — which means better sleep, better moods, and fewer “why am I like this” moments.

Can’t commit to a nature hike? Cool.
Stick your head out a window like an excited golden retriever. It counts.

4. Nature Encourages Mindfulness (Without Making You Sit Cross-Legged for an Hour)

Here’s the thing: outside, you can’t help but notice stuff. The way the breeze feels against your face. The smell of rain on hot pavement. That one squirrel with serious main character energy.

When you step outside, your senses naturally snap to attention — pulling you out of your anxious brain spiral and back into your actual life.

Try this:

• 3 things you see
• 2 things you hear
• 1 thing you feel against your skin

Boom. You just did mindfulness. No incense or awkward chanting required.

5. Being Outside Rekindles a Sense of Wonder (Even If You’re Grumpy About It at First)

Nature has a way of reminding us that life is still beautiful, even when it’s messy.
There’s awe in the tiniest details — the symmetry of a leaf, the stubborn little dandelions breaking through concrete, the endless, ridiculous drama happening in a single anthill.

When you let yourself notice these things, hope sneaks back in. Wonder rebuilds you from the inside out.
You remember: life isn’t just bills, grief, and annoying emails. It’s magic, too.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to backpack across Europe or swim with dolphins to get your nature fix (though if you do, please invite me).
Sometimes, all it takes is 10 quiet minutes — one stubborn step outside, one breath of fresh air, one bare foot in the grass.

You deserve that. Your mind, your body, and your exhausted little heart deserve that.

Try This: A 10-Minute Nature Ritual for Mental Wellness

If you’re thinking, “Okay, sounds cute, but where do I even start?” — don’t worry. Here’s a baby-steps ritual for you to steal:

Step 1: Find Your Spot (1 minute)
Step outside somewhere you feel comfy — backyard, balcony, front porch, random patch of semi-respectable grass.

Step 2: Connect Physically (1 minute)
Sit down or kick your shoes off. Yes, even if you feel weird about it. Let your feet feel the ground. It’s called grounding, and it’s a thing.

Step 3: Breathe and Observe (5 minutes)
Take five big, delicious, slightly dramatic breaths.
Then notice:

• What do you hear?
• What do you smell?
• What’s brushing against your skin (besides your own general fabulousness)?

Step 4: Set a Gentle Intention (2 minutes)
Whisper a little something to yourself like:

• “I choose calm.”
• “I welcome rest.”
• “I am grounded and supported.”
  Cheesy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Step 5: Carry It With You (1 minute)
Tuck that calm, earthy, unbothered energy into your imaginary pocket and strut back into the chaos like the grounded queen (or king) you are.