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Research has shown that spending time connecting with nature can have huge health and wellbeing benefits. From increasing your physical fitness and emotional wellbeing to lowering your risk of certain health conditions like obesity and heart disease. Nature soothes, and heals.

But getting back in touch with the natural world doesn’t mean you have to drop everything and go on a spiritual retreat in a forest or hike the Appalachian Trail. You can reconnect with nature right now by following any of these simple tips.

1. Get outside

Doing something as simple as getting out of doors for your lunch break. A walk in the park is excellent, but even half an hour getting some sunshine can improve your sense of wellbeing and boost your metabolism.

It’s a human being’s primary source of Vitamin D, which you need for all kinds of healthy body functioning from your immune system to your bone density.

Cognitive function is also boosted by Vitamin D. Scientists even think that regular exposure to sunlight can help stave off Alzheimer’s disease. So, go and grab some sun!

2. Nurture your green thumb

Gardening is a great way to step away from the stresses of modern life. If you don’t have space for garden beds or a vegetable plot, get some houseplants to brighten your home and office.

Even having an African violet or a Philodendron on your desk can help improve air quality and reduce your stress levels.

3. Practice nature mindfulness

Most people have some contact with nature in their day. You don’t have to live on a farm to get the benefit of connecting with nature; you have to notice what’s around you.

You probably walk past nature every day without even realizing it. Try looking around you to see what you’re missing. As you go about your day, really look for trees, flower beds, or planters while you’re walking down the street.

Are there potted plants or trees in your office building’s reception area or your favourite coffee shop? Even the bunches of flowers at the florist stall are reminders of the natural world.

4. Try walking barefoot

When was the last time you walked barefoot on a cool green lawn, or over a sandy beach, or let the water run over your toes in a stream?

Take your lunch break in the park today, sit on the grass, and take off your shoes. Let your bare feet relax on the ground, feel the grass and the earth, and reconnect.