20 Simple Ways to Enjoy Nature Every Day

I used to spend my days staring at a screen completely disconnected from the world outside.

My life was a cycle of video games junk food and laziness. I felt trapped indoors and even more trapped inside my own head. I was overweight unhealthy and felt like I was wasting the life God gave me. Change felt impossible. But a huge part of my journey back to health and purpose wasn't found in a gym or a complicated self-help book. It was right outside my window.

I realized I was ignoring one of the most simple and profound gifts we've been given: the natural world. It wasn't about climbing mountains or going on epic adventures. It was about the small quiet moments. The gentle breeze through an open window. The sound of rain. The solid feeling of the earth beneath my feet. These little things helped pull me out of the digital haze and back into reality.

If you feel disconnected or overwhelmed I get it. I’ve been there. But I want to share some simple ways to let nature back into your life. You don’t need a lot of time or money. You just need a willingness to notice.

Start Right at Home

You don't have to go far to experience the goodness of creation. Some of the most powerful connections can happen right where you are.

1. Open a window. Don't just rely on air conditioning. Let the real air in. Feel the temperature. Smell the scents. It's a simple act that reminds you there's a world outside your walls.

2. Bring a plant inside. Caring for something green and living is a small responsibility that gives back so much. Watching it grow can be a quiet joy.

3. Listen to nature sounds. When you need to focus or relax try playing sounds of rain a gentle stream or birdsong. It’s far more peaceful than the constant noise of TV or social media.

4. Watch the sunrise or sunset. You don't have to go anywhere special. Just take five minutes to watch the colors change from your window or porch. It's a beautiful daily reminder of God's artistry.

5. Eat a meal outside. If you have a balcony a porch or even just a small patch of grass take your lunch or coffee outside. Food just tastes better in the fresh air.

Weave Nature into Your Routine

Finding time can be hard. The key is to fit nature into the things you already do instead of trying to add another big task to your to-do list.

6. Take a five-minute walk. When I was over 110 pounds heavier the idea of a workout was terrifying. But a five-minute walk around the block? I could do that. That tiny habit was a seed. It broke my sedentary cycle and eventually grew into a healthier life. Use your work breaks or transition times for a quick walk.

7. Drink your morning coffee on the porch. Start your day with a few moments of peace before the chaos begins. Feel the morning air and just be present.

8. Walk barefoot on the grass. Take your shoes off for a few minutes and feel the earth. It’s a simple way to feel connected and present in your body.

9. Do a “weather check.” Don't just look at the app on your phone. Step outside. Is it windy? Is the sun warm? Is it humid? Pay attention to what the day actually feels like.

10. Find a "sit spot." Find a comfortable spot near your home or work. A park bench a spot under a tree or even a particular stoop. Try to visit it for a few minutes each day just to sit and observe.

Engage Your Senses

We often walk through the world on autopilot. Waking up your senses is a powerful way to reconnect with your surroundings and appreciate the details.

11. Look up. We spend so much time looking down at our phones. Make a point to look up at the sky the clouds or the tops of trees.

12. Focus on one natural object. On your commute or walk pick one thing to notice. A particular tree a crack in the sidewalk where a weed is growing or a bird on a wire. Just observe it for a moment.

13. Touch different textures. Feel the rough bark of a tree the smoothness of a stone or the soft texture of a leaf. It pulls you out of your head and into the physical world.

14. Smell the air after it rains. That clean earthy smell is called petrichor. It’s one of nature’s best scents. Take a deep breath and enjoy it.

15. Listen for a specific sound. Instead of tuning everything out try to tune in. Can you hear a specific bird? The rustle of leaves? The hum of a bee?

Simple Acts of Gratitude and Prayer

For me strengthening my faith has been the foundation of my new life. Nature is a powerful place to feel closer to God and to practice gratitude for His creation.

16. Go for a prayer walk. This has been huge for me. Walking and praying helps clear my mind. I talk to God about my struggles and thank Him for my blessings. The rhythm of walking and the beauty of my surroundings make it a powerful practice.

17. Collect a natural souvenir. Pick up a unique rock a fallen leaf an acorn or a seashell. Keep it on your desk or in your pocket as a small reminder of the beauty you found.

18. Learn the name of one thing. Learn the name of one tree one flower or one bird in your neighborhood. Giving something a name makes you see it differently. It creates a connection.

19. Watch the small creatures. Pay attention to the ants working on the sidewalk the butterflies fluttering by or the spiders weaving their webs. It's a reminder of the intricate and busy world that exists all around us.

20. Look at the stars. On a clear night step outside and look at the stars. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that puts your own problems into perspective. It reminds me of the greatness of our Creator.

Connecting with nature isn't another thing to feel guilty about not doing. It's a gift waiting for you. It’s a source of peace strength and wonder that can help you on your own journey.

You don't have to do all 20 of these things. Just pick one.

What is one small way you can let nature into your life today?