Reconnecting with Nature: A Powerful Boost for Mental Health
By Laura Davis, Caulfield Counsellor, Boost Wellness
In an age where screens dominate our attention and urban landscapes shape our daily lives, our connection to the natural world is often quietly lost. As a therapist, I regularly see how this disconnection impacts wellbeing—heightening stress, fuelling anxiety, and contributing to a pervasive sense of being overwhelmed or emotionally unanchored.
But there is good news: nature is not just a backdrop for leisure; it's a proven, evidence-based ally in mental health.
🌿 Nature as a Calming Force
Research consistently shows that spending time in natural settings can reduce cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone), lower blood pressure, and shift the nervous system into a more relaxed state. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that even 20 minutes of nature exposure a day significantly lowered stress hormone levels. No expensive equipment, no app required—just the trees, sky, and open space.
Being in nature engages the senses in a gentle way: the rustling of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, the rhythm of walking on a trail. These sensory experiences help quiet the overactive mind, allowing space for reflection, grounding, and emotional regulation.
💬 The Emotional Benefits
Nature offers a kind of emotional spaciousness. When we’re surrounded by greenery or looking out over a vast coastline, our problems often feel more manageable. The brain gets a break from constant stimulation and enters a more mindful, present-focused state. Studies have linked time in green or blue spaces (like parks, forests, or lakes) with:
Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression
Increased feelings of vitality and energy
Enhanced creativity and problem-solving
Greater sense of purpose and connectedness
From a therapeutic perspective, these effects mirror what we often strive for in sessions: the ability to step back from stressors, gain perspective, and reconnect with inner strengths.
🌳 Practical Ways to Reconnect
Many people assume they need a hiking trail or a weekend retreat to benefit from nature—but even small, consistent practices can help. Here are a few ideas:
Daily Green Time: Take a 10–20 minute walk in a local park, garden, or tree-lined street without headphones or screens.
Micro-Moments: Sit by a sunny window, open it, and listen to birds or feel the breeze. This is especially helpful between Zoom meetings or busy parenting days.
Nature Journaling: Reflect on how you feel before and after time in nature. This helps build awareness of its impact and encourages regular practice.
Grounding Techniques Outdoors: Try walking barefoot on grass, touching the bark of a tree, or doing deep breathing exercises under the open sky.
“Green” Lunch Breaks: Eat lunch outside whenever possible—even a balcony or courtyard can bring benefits.
🌱 Nature as a Gentle Therapist
While nature isn’t a replacement for counselling, it can be a powerful companion to therapy. For clients navigating stress, burnout, or change, I often recommend intentional time in nature as part of their wellbeing plan. It helps integrate what we talk about in session, and supports the nervous system in calming and healing.
In our modern, fast-paced world, the natural world invites us to slow down. To listen. To breathe. And perhaps most importantly—to remember that we are part of something larger, and that we are not alone.