As young women, we were always busy trying to balance our families and careers. We spent those early adult years scrubbing peanut butter and jelly stains off of the wall before hoping on an important call, then rushing out drive the kids off to soccer practice.
Of course, we loved our life, but it didn’t leave much time for putting ourselves first!
Now, in midlife, you might find yourself facing an empty nest. Don’t grieve at this change. Instead, I challenge and empower you to take some time to re-examine your goals and core values and begin to reimagine what this phase of life can look like.
There are plenty of resources out there to help you do this. My Midlife Reimagined Mastermind is targeted toward women like you who want to reconnect with themselves.
In my Mastermind, I often recommend that women reconnect with nature as a way to begin to reconnect with themselves.
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What Does It Mean to Reconnect to Nature?
We hear a lot about reconnecting with nature, but what does this really mean?
One way of thinking about this is to reinventing your life so that you can reap more of the benefits that nature has to offer.
Don’t panic! This doesn’t mean that you have to move to an unheated cabin on a remote mountainside, draw your water from a well, and grow all of your own food. (Although that might be a fun challenge…if only for a while…)
You also don’t have to engage in extreme, adrenaline laden sports such as kayaking down waterfalls or camping in the deep wilderness.
Of course, these activities can be incredible experiences, and if they sound appealing to you – then I say “go for it”!
But, if not, rest assured that reconnecting with nature doesn’t have to be complicated – it can simply mean stepping outside each day and finding small, meaningful ways to feel connected to the natural world around you. Take a moment to slow down and appreciate the beauty and grace of butterflies, the songs of birds, or the vibrant colors of wildflowers. Reflect on where your food comes from, and perhaps even try growing some of it yourself.
Simple acts like these can bring a deeper sense of harmony with the world around you.
Why Is Reconnecting with Nature Important?
Modern life, filled with traffic jams and hectic schedules, often brings its share of stress. Stepping outside for a walk on a sunny, breezy day is a simple yet powerful way to ease tension, boost your mood, and enhance your physical health all at once.
Reconnecting with nature fosters a deep appreciation for the environment and its immense beauty. A simple walk along a wooded trail can enrich your life, offering tranquility and perspective. Take a moment to pick up any litter you come across, and you’ll not only enhance the scenery but also contribute to a healthier planet.
10 Benefits of Reconnecting to Nature
What are the benefits of re-connecting with nature, and how can it be a part of your midlife reinvention? The benefits are endless, and many are intangible.
Some of my favorite concrete reasons why reconnecting with nature can help you reconnect with yourself include:
1. Improves Physical Fitness. Get outdoors and go for a walk or jog, or take up a new hobby such as horseback riding, outdoor swimming, bicycling, or kayaking. Even a walk around the neighborhood can improve your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and tone muscle.
2. Improves Mood. Few things improve mood as quickly and effectively as exercise and fresh air. After a brisk walk or short jog, you’ll find yourself feeling more positive and uplifted, ready to take on the day with a renewed sense of energy.
3. Improves Sleep. Research suggests that regularly spending time outside improves our sleep. You’ll not only be relaxed from the exercise, but daily exposure to natural light helps to regulate your sleep/wake cycles.
4. Increases alertness and attention. Endless, tedious indoor tasks can drain your mental energy. Take a break, step outside, breathe, and soak in your surroundings. You’ll return to your routine feeling refreshed, reenergized, and more focused than before.
5. Increases mindfulness. Learning something new is a wonderful way to boost your mood, and the great outdoors offers an infinite classroom! Take a guided hike to explore wildlife habitats with an expert, or visit a wildflower meadow to discover how to incorporate native plants into your own landscaping.
6. Lowers anxiety. Spending most of our time confined within four walls leaves little room to ease our minds or release built-up anxiety. Step outside, take a walk in the fresh air, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to let go of nervous tension.
7. Increases creativity. You not only have a classroom outside your door, but you also have an outdoor art museum! Enjoy a sunset or watch the moon rise. There is no need to visit exotic beaches and mountainsides, just appreciate the beauty in the mundane, such as the dandelion popping through the grass.
8. Increases social connections. Reconnecting with nature can also improve your social life! Connect with others who have similar interests by going on a group hike, signing up for a class on nature-related activities, or volunteering at a state, local or national park.
9. Reduces mental and physical stress. Spending hours indoors at your computer can lead to tension both in your mind and in your muscles, leaving you drained and fatigued. Fresh air, natural light, and movement can work wonders to help you relax, clear your mind, and recharge your energy.
10. Boosts self-esteem. A healthier lifestyle and stronger social connections can boost self-esteem. Regular exercise improves fitness and body image, while staying active and social enhances mood and confidence, creating a cycle of growth and positivity.
What Are Some Ways That I Can Reconnect with Nature
Now that you understand the benefits of reconnecting with nature, you might be wondering, “Where do I start?”
The options are limitless, and regardless of your lifestyle or interests, there’s no shortage of activities to explore.
As you think about ways to reconnect with the natural world, I encourage you to consider drawing inspiration from the four elements: earth, water air, fire – as well as with flora and fauna.
Connect with earth
1. Walk barefoot and connect with the earth beneath you. Let it serve as a gentle reminder of the deep interconnectedness between you and the natural world.
2. Hike in a state or National Park. You don’t need to tackle a 30-mile trek with a heavy backpack – simply walk as far as you feel comfortable doing. Whether it’s a short stroll or a longer adventure, every step counts.
3. Start your own garden! Grow fresh vegetables while also planting native flowers and shrubs to create a haven for songbirds, hummingbirds, and essential pollinators.
Why not plant some herbs while you’re at it? Start with a few essential culinary staples like basil and rosemary. Don’t overlook herbs like lavender and lemon verbena, though—they’re prized not just for their beauty but also for their wonderful fragrance.
4. Capture the beauty of nature. Bring your camera along on hikes or even into your own garden to photograph stunning sunsets, vibrant flowers, and breathtaking landscapes. No fancy camera? No problem – your phone’s camera is all you need.
Connect with water
1. Swim! Immerse yourself in nature’s waters, whether it’s the refreshing saltiness of the ocean or the peaceful, crystal-clear stillness of a serene blue lake.
2. Give kayaking, canoeing, or even stand-up paddleboarding a try.
3. Observe how the moon’s phases and gravitational pull shape Earth’s tides, driving the movement of water across our planet.
Connect with air
1. Observe cloud formations and their movements.
2. Listen to the wind, and the natural sounds such as rustling leaves.
3. Practice deep breathing exercises outdoors.
4. Spend some time stargazing. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or relaxing on your patio, take a moment to look up and marvel at the night sky.
Connect with fire
1. Enjoy a campfire. Feel the comforting warmth, watch the vivid colors, and listen to crackling wood.
2. Experience the beauty of a sunrise or sunset.
Connect with flora
1. Embark on a foraging adventure and discover nature’s hidden treasures! Join a local foraging expedition to explore and savor wild fruits and greens in your area.
2. Grow herbs and make your own teas. Herbs like lemon balm, lemon verbena, mint (and so many others) are perfect for brewing refreshing iced teas or soothing hot beverages.
3. Create your own herbal tinctures, soaps and cosmetics. Making your own products lets you connect with nature while supporting your health and wellness. Craft natural remedies and personal care products, free from artificial chemicals, for a more sustainable and mindful routine.
4. Try forest bathing and fully immerse yourself in nature. Simply find a quiet outdoor space, breathe deeply, and let go of distractions. Calmly take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world around you.
Connect with fauna
1. Take time to go birdwatching and connect with nature. Visit a forest or other natural area to observe birds in their habitats. For a more simple approach, just step outside your door, close your eyes, and listen to their calls.
2. Go horseback riding. Build a connection with your horse as you explore the outdoors. Along the way, see how many wild animals and plants you can spot and name.
3. Tracking animal footprints offers a unique and profound way to connect with nature in a way that most of us completely overlook in our daily lives. By learning to observe wildlife more closely, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their movements and behaviors within the environment.
Reconnecting with Nature for City Dwellers
You might be wondering, “This sounds great, but how does it apply to me? I live in an apartment right in the heart of the city.” The truth is, even in urban environments, nature is all around you—if you take a moment to notice it. There are countless ways to connect with the natural world, no matter where you live. Here are just a few suggestions:
1. Just go outside, go for a walk. Look at the earth, smell the air, and feel the sun’s warmth.
2. Plant a container garden.
3. Hang a bird feeder or a hummingbird feeder.
4. Visit a local farmers market, prepare a meal from locally grown foods and invite your friends over for a “locavore’s” dinner.
5. Nurture the earth. While you’re outside, take time to pick up trash, or recycle your cans and paper!
I'm Dr. Angela Caveney. I'm a Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Founder of The Trybe Women's Social Club and leader of the Midlife Reimagined Mastermind.
If you are interested in learning more about the Mastermind or in creating a community of your own, reach out to me at angela@the-trybe.com to start the conversation.
