If you are interested in connecting with nature, it helps to know that small changes can make all the difference. A single shift in one’s perspective or a small daily change is sometimes all it takes to better connect to the beauty and wonder of the natural world around us.

Here’s what thought leaders say.

Notice Small Moments Outside, Slow Down, Ground Yourself

One simple thing that helps me feel connected to nature is paying attention to it in small moments. I make a point to notice the sky, the light, or the weather when I step outside, even if it’s just for a minute.

I also try to slow down my pace when I walk. Moving a bit more slowly makes it easier to notice sounds, plants, and changes around me. That small shift in attention helps me feel grounded, even on busy days.

Kseniia Andriienko, Digital Marketer, JPGtoPNGHero

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Three Minutes Outside Reset My Senses

A simple micro-dose of nature keeps me connected: I step outside for three minutes and focus on my senses, feeling the air on my skin and listening to birds. That short pause breaks inertia and anchors me in the present, deepening my connection to the natural world.

Ishdeep Narang MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry, Orlando, Florida

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Start Outside Phone-Free, Reset My Day

One simple daily action that keeps me grounded is starting my day outside without my phone even if it’s just for ten minutes. I pay attention to small ordinary things like the light changing, the air and the sounds around me. No podcasts or notifications just detox for some time.

Running a business keeps your mind constantly in the future. That quiet time pulls me back into the present. It reminds me that not everything needs to be optimized or accelerated some things just need to be noticed.

It is a small habit but it resets my pace for the day and helps me move through work with a little more calm and perspective.

Chaitanya Sagar, Founder & CEO, Perceptive Analytics

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Soak Early Sun, Walk with My Puppy

Most days I go outside on my backyard patio and I squat down and bask in the sun. Not even joking. I heard about the importance of early sunlight in the morning on a podcast and even though I love being outside, sometimes I would get straight to work without being in the sun. I love it. 

Later i’ll also take my puppy on a walk or a hike in the hills nearby to get my body moving in nature and try to be as present and observant as possible.

Ken Marshall, Co-Founder, Meet Sona

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Step Away, Walk Tech-Free for Calm

Incorporating walks into my daily routine is the easiest way for me to feel grounded and more connected with nature. When I have a hectic schedule, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of everything. With what feels like a never-ending to-do list, my mind is constantly racing and figuring out what I need to do next. In these moments, it can be difficult to find a moment of peace. What I’ve found is that the simple action of pulling myself away from my desk and moving my body, even if it’s only for a few minutes, allows me to take a break from my tasks, reset my mind, and focus on the present. I often listen to music while working, but when I take a walk, I try to remove myself from technology and any other distractions. Without music playing in my ear, I can immerse myself in the sounds around me and truly pause to take in my surroundings. Doing so helps me return to my work with a calmer, more centered mind.

Anne Zhang, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable

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Visit Nearby Park Daily for Nature Connection

Taking a walk through the nearest park or natural environment every day. For me, this is one of the best ways to connect with nature.

If you can also do it at times when it’s not so crowded, the effect is much greater.

I believe many of us are lucky enough to live close to beautiful natural environments, whether by the coast or in the mountains. But if that’s not your case, or you simply don’t have the time, a walk through the nearest park can bring great benefits to our connection with the natural world.

Economist Jose Garcia, Economista 3909 – Marketing 447, Economista Jose Garcia

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Walk Sites, Feel Sun, Remember the Mission

I walk our solar job sites every morning and just take a breath. Seeing the panels soak up the sun reminds me what we’re actually doing, turning light into power. It’s that simple. Try stepping outside for five minutes. Feel the sun or the wind. It makes this work feel real, not just an idea.

Joseph Melara, Chief Operating Officer, Truly Tough Contractors

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Pause at Properties, Notice Nature, Stay Grounded

Hopping between properties all day for my real estate work, I make sure to pause at each one. Maybe it’s the sound of birds or feeling the grass under my shoes. Just a minute of this keeps me from spinning out when my calendar is stuffed. Give it a shot. Notice the small bits of nature around you during work. It sounds too simple, but it actually helps when things get completely nuts.

Ryan Dosenberry, CEO, Crushing REI

About Our Contributor

Lindsey Flagg is a professional content creator with a passion for writing, music, and making the world a better place. She holds a B.A. in Communication from Purdue University and has over 12 years of experience in digital communications. In her free time, she enjoys language learning, reading, and discovering new music.

Share Your Views

How do you connect with nature daily? Share your thoughts:

• What simple outdoor habit refreshes your perspective?
• How do you unplug from technology to feel grounded?
• Which nature activity helps you manage stress best?