Sometimes, we just need a mental reset. Getting out into nature is a great way to accomplish this. By focusing on the beauty and uniqueness of somewhere around you that’s full of plants, animals, or both you can escape the racing roller coaster in your head. Keep reading for some things you can try to get out of your head and into nature.
Bird Watching
This is a wonderful pastime that can very easily become a passion. You can simply keep notes of descriptions of birds you see; or you can get a book on identifying local birds, and see how many you can find. Searching for birds can be very engrossing and time-consuming, so it’s an amazing way to shift your mind into something other than what may be overwhelming it at the time.
Nature Photography
You don’t need a fancy camera to do this; a phone camera will work just fine. Just go out for a nature walk wherever you can, and snap photos of anything that you think is pretty or cool. Need some inspiration? Try taking pictures of at least one thing for every color of the rainbow, or letter of the alphabet! Getting the perfect shot of something you find interesting is a very rewarding experience. Be patient, and just have fun with it.
Beach-combing
This is a perfect way to unwind if you live near a beach! Head on down to it, and look for neat shells or bones in the sand by the water. You may also stumble across little critters like crabs, mollusks, rays, etc. Don’t try to collect these, but definitely use those nature photography skills if you can! Just like with bird watching, you can simply collect shells and such and not know what they all are; or you can grab some info on local shells and see if you find something that happens to be rare! Another great thing about this pastime (other than getting you out of your head,) is that you can use what you find to make awesome home decor and/or gifts!
Nature Walk
Sometimes all you need is to just go for a walk with no plan, and simply commune with nature. This is a good atmosphere to do some self-reflection and processing in, and release any negativity you’ve been holding onto. If you find a lake or river nearby, that can be a good place to have a rest and just take in the beauty of the nature around you. You might even make a wild friend in the process! I personally made friends with a family of otters this way, and they were a great distraction from my problems at the time.
Getting out of your head and into nature can be a very healing experience. Always practice common sense and be safe during these activities. Don’t forget sunscreen, water, and snacks (if you need them) as well if you plan to be out a long time.
