This post is the first in our Rooted and Rising series at Clark Counseling Services, LLC, where we explore six interconnected domains of well-being. We begin with one of the most fundamental, connection with nature.
Why Nature Matters for Mental Health
Humans have an innate need to connect with the natural world. This concept, often referred to as biophilia, suggests that we are wired to seek harmony with our environments. Unfortunately, modern life often keeps us indoors, surrounded by screens, artificial light, and constant demands. This disconnection can subtly contribute to stress, fatigue, and feelings of dislocation.
Research consistently demonstrates the mental health benefits of engaging with nature. Studies in environmental psychology highlight that time outdoors can:
Reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels.
Improve attention and concentration, as described in Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory.
Elevate mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Increase feelings of awe and perspective, promoting meaning-making and resilience.
Even small doses of nature exposure such as walking in a park, gardening, or sitting by a window with a view of trees can positively influence mental health outcomes.
Clinical Perspectives
In therapy, we often encourage clients to think of mental health not only in terms of managing symptoms but also in terms of expanding sources of vitality. Nature provides a unique and accessible avenue for doing so. Ecotherapy, an approach that integrates the natural environment into counseling, has shown promising results in supporting emotional regulation, self-reflection, and stress management.
For clients experiencing burnout or disconnection, structured activities such as mindful walking outdoors or “forest bathing” (Shinrin-Yoku) can help re-establish balance. Importantly, nature connection doesn’t have to mean wilderness immersion. Urban green spaces, plants in the home, or even natural soundscapes can create restorative effects.
Practical Applications
If you’re seeking to bring more nature connection into your life, consider starting with small, intentional practices:
Daily Green Time: Spend at least 10 minutes outside, noticing details in your environment.
Mindful Observation: Choose a tree, plant, or body of water and observe it with curiosity, noticing colors, textures, and changes over time.
Tech-Free Walks: Leave your phone behind for a short walk and pay attention to your sensory experience.
Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate plants, natural light, or natural materials into your living or work space.
These practices are simple, yet over time they help restore attention, regulate emotions, and reconnect us to a larger sense of being.
Moving Forward
Nature connection serves as the foundation for the Rooted and Rising framework because it grounds us literally and figuratively. When we engage with the natural world, we remind ourselves that we are part of something larger, interconnected, and enduring. This perspective can be deeply healing, especially in times of stress, loss, or uncertainty.
In our next post, we will turn to the second domain: Movement and Physical Activity, and explore how supporting the body also supports the mind.