Spending time outdoors offers numerous health benefits, from reducing stress to improving sleep. However, even if you love being outside, finding time to truly relax and soak in the natural world can be a challenge.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy more outdoor time is to adjust your expectations. There’s a lot to explore right where you live, and you don’t need to travel far to experience nature’s beauty. Here are 10 simple ways to enjoy the outdoors in your own backyard.
1. Find a Spot to Relax
Start by choosing a spot where you can sit and simply observe nature. This could be a comfy chair on your back porch, a shady bench under a tree, or any place where you feel relaxed and have a good view. The more you visit this spot, the more you’ll start to notice the little details around you.
2. Learn About Your Local Nature
Do you know what types of trees grow in your area? Can you identify the birds you hear? Researching your local environment can deepen your appreciation for the nature around you. Set some goals to learn more, and make it fun! Take a field guide with you on your outdoor adventures to identify new species and learn more about your surroundings.
3. Take Photos
Photography helps you focus on the details you might otherwise miss. When you take a picture, you’re not just capturing an image, but also connecting with nature in a more mindful way. It’s a great way to document your outdoor experiences and observe changes in the environment over time.
4. Create Nature Triggers
If you have trouble paying attention to nature every day, try creating triggers that prompt you to pause and observe. For example, you could train yourself to stop and listen to birdsong whenever you hear it, or make a habit of observing your yard on your way to the car each morning. Eventually, noticing nature will become second nature.
5. Attract Wildlife
Want to see more animals in your yard? Create a welcoming environment for them by adding a bird feeder or nesting box near a window. Providing food, water, and shelter will attract all sorts of wildlife. Take the time to meet their needs and watch as your backyard becomes a lively sanctuary.
6. Use a Trail Camera
Many animals are shy or only come out at night, making them hard to spot. A trail camera can give you a peek into your local wildlife after dark. Set it up overnight, then check the footage in the morning—you might be surprised by how many creatures are sharing your space.
7. Go Green
If you want to enjoy more nature in your yard, it’s important to avoid using harmful pesticides or chemicals. Focus on creating a safe environment with healthy soil, air, and water. Even better, consider volunteering to help maintain the natural spaces near your home and protect local wildlife.
8. Grow Your Own Plants
You don’t need a large garden to grow plants. Whether it’s a few pots on your porch, a window box, or a small hedge along your front yard, planting greenery is a rewarding way to connect with nature. It’s something you can learn from directly, rather than just reading about it.
9. Watch the Clouds
Sometimes, the best way to connect with nature is by slowing down. While it might feel like a luxury at first, taking time to reflect and relax outdoors can help you process life and gain a sense of calm. One simple way to do this is by lying on your back and watching the clouds drift by. Take it a step further and try identifying shapes in the clouds, like you did when you were a kid.
10. Hug a Tree
Next time you’re alone in your yard, try hugging a tree. Research shows that spending time near trees can reduce stress and improve health. If your yard doesn’t have one, consider planting a tree. Not only will it beautify your space, but it’ll also provide shelter for wildlife.
Make the Most of Your Outdoor Time
Spending time in your own backyard can give you a new appreciation for nature and help you develop the skills needed to connect with the environment. Use these 10 tips to start enjoying the natural world right outside your door and encourage nature to thrive in your backyard.
