Five Ways to Connect with Nature this Summer

Summer weather is finally here. This is the time of year that naturally calls us outside. For the environmentalist, this is a very good thing—when you spend time with something you love it more, which naturally leads to protecting it better. 

Need some inspiration to connect with nature this summer? Here are five ideas: 

Get morning sunlight 

The simplest way to connect with nature may be by stepping out your door to stand in the sunlight every morning. Not only does this get you out in nature first thing, but it helps you get much needed vitamin D. And, if you step outside shortly after waking up, you help regulate your circadian rhythm to be more awake during the day and sleep easier at night. All thanks to some sunshine! 

Go barefoot 

Take regular time to kick your shoes off. Feel the grass or water or sand on your toes. This literally connects you to nature, and it may just be good for your health too. According to the National Institutes of Health, grounding (or letting your bare feet connect with the ground to exchange electrons), “appears to improve sleep, normalize the day–night cortisol rhythm, reduce pain, reduce stress, shift the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic toward parasympathetic activation, increase heart rate variability, speed wound healing, and reduce blood viscosity.”

Hike your local park 

You may not live near a renowned national park. However, state and municipal parks are often overlooked, but still may bring the same beautiful views and great hiking as their national counterparts. Check out the parks in your area – you might be surprised at what you find!

Take part in a conservation event 

Helping clean up and conserve the outdoors is an awesome way to connect with nature. Maybe there is a cleanup at your local beach where you can capture some plastic from the ocean. Maybe there is a tree planting event you can join. Whatever it might be, take some time from your summer to help do your part. 

Get to know your local wildlife 

Finally, learn about your local wildlife. What birds do you hear? Do you have any big predators in your area? How about poisonous snakes? Learning this information is practical for safety if you are going to be spending much time by yourself in nature, but it is also just wonderful to be able to sit outside and know what animals are making the noises you hear on any given night.

Nature is something worth protecting. The more we connect to it, the more we want to respect and defend it. Make this the year you spend your summer outdoors.