Connecting with Nature as a Form of Rest
2025 has been a hard year for many. For some, the best year by far, but for others, difficult circumstances have made this year challenging. For me, 2025 brought a fast-paced life intertwined with grief and loss. As a business owner, it’s difficult to keep it all going on a good day — let alone while navigating life through loss, grief, and sadness — all while maintaining the status quo.
That is why, after the loss of my cousin in January and my very dear friend in April — both to the life-stealing disease of cancer — I have been trying to take a mindful approach to rest and healing. Allowing myself the space to take a nap if needed, to just do nothing, and not guilting myself for being “lazy.” I’m a firm believer that rest is essential, not just another item on the to-do list. Without intentional rest, your body will shut itself down, you’ll get sick, and you can’t focus. This has been my case for the past few months.
In life, with grief also comes joy. It seems like a paradox — two emotions on opposite ends of the spectrum. Joy in the memories you shared with your loved ones who have gone before you. Joy in the memories you’re making with the loved ones presently in your circle. There is so much to be grateful for. For me, that joy can also be found in nature.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir
Nature has a way of connecting me to the present tense. Taking off my shoes and stepping barefoot in the grass has a grounding effect for me. There is just something about that connection that brings peace to my soul and heart.
Grounding, also called “earthing,” can help reduce stress, lower inflammation, improve sleep, and promote a sense of calm. By making direct contact with the earth — like standing barefoot in grass, soil, or sand — you allow your body to absorb its natural energy, which has been shown to reset your nervous system and improve mood. Even just five to ten minutes a day can make a difference!
Sitting on a rock by a rushing river. Listening downstream to a waterfall cascading over the rim of rock. Toes in the sand as waves crash on the shore. These sounds and sights are nature’s way of snapping you back into the present moment — a quiet reminder that life is still happening and if you focus too much on the past (or future), you’ll miss it.
So from where I stand, mental health is everything. Resets are necessary. Stillness and connection in nature are important to have peace and joy amid all the difficulties thrown our way. Life isn’t always easy, but being able to move through it with joy, grace, love, and compassion is worth it.
A Few ways to do a reset
Here are a few simple ways you can reset in nature this week, even if life is coming at you hard:
- Take a 10-minute barefoot walk outside — feel the grass, soil, or sand under your feet.
- Eat your lunch outside and take a few deep breaths as you listen to birds or the breeze.
- End your day by sitting on a porch or park bench and watching the sunset.
- Go on a short hike or trail walk to get your body moving and mind grounded.
Your reset doesn’t need to be long or complicated — just intentional.
💬 Your turn: What do you do to reset when life is coming at you hard? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear what practices help you reconnect and find your peace.
Sending all my love, and if you ever need a listening ear, send me a message. Life’s too short to try to navigate it alone. We all need community. I’d love to be that for you.
XoXoXo,
Amy