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Editorial

Five Ways to Reconnect With Nature and Recharge Over the Holidays

When was the last time you paused to truly connect with the world around you?  As the summer holidays approach, many of us are looking forward to much-needed downtime. But this season offers more than just a chance to relax—it’s an opportunity to rest, reflect, and set meaningful intentions for the year ahead. It’s also the perfect time to reconnect with nature, something often lost in the busyness of daily life. 

Modern life, dominated by screens and packed schedules, can leave little room for the outdoors. While technology offers convenience, it can often keep us overly connected to work responsibilities.  

Taking time to switch off and enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and greenery is essential to your overall wellbeing. The holidays give us valuable time to slow down and rediscover the restorative effects of nature—laying the foundation for healthier, more balanced habits and greater resilience in the year to come. 

How are nature and wellbeing connected? 

Nature has profound and proven benefits for both mental and physical health.  Research, such as studies by Beyer et al. (2014), increasingly shows that green spaces help you recover from mental fatigue, reduce stress, and elevate your mood. This makes spending time in natural environments a simple and practical way to care for your mental health. 

Beyond its mental health benefits, nature also supports your physical wellbeing, particularly through improved sleep. Natural sunlight is key to regulating your circadian rhythm–the internal clock that governs wakefulness during the day and sleepiness at night. While artificial light can mimic sunlight, natural sunlight is far more intense and has a greater impact on your sleep patterns. Spending time outdoors can make it easier to fall asleep at night and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.  

Nature also helps us strengthen social bonds. Shared experiences in the outdoors—whether walking, picnicking, or exploring together—encourage connection, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, all of which are vital for overall wellbeing. 

The benefits of nature 

  • Mental wellbeing: Nature helps you feel calmer and less stressed. Whether you’re listening to birdsong or soaking up the sun, these small moments can lift your mood and ease anxiety. Research by environmental psychologists Stephen and Rachel Kaplan shows that spending time in nature helps replenish your attention, reduces stress, and improves cognitive performance, leading to better creativity and problem-solving. 
  • Physical health: Research shows regular exposure to the outdoors has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic disease —likely because people who spend more time in green spaces also report higher levels of  physical activity. 
  • Social connection: Shared experiences in nature strengthen relationships, encouraging teamwork and deepening bonds with those who are important to you. 

Five simple ways to reintroduce nature into your routine 

  1. Start small with micro-breaks
    You don’t need a vacation to benefit from nature. Short breaks outdoors – as little as 10 minutes – to disconnect from devices can help to reset your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. Research has found that taking short breaks in nature can enhance cognitive performance and productivity. Step outside during your day to breathe fresh air, stretch, and recharge. 
  2. Choose to walk or cycle  
    Instead of driving short distances, try to walk or cycle. This not only benefits your physical health but allows you to appreciate nature’s ever-changing beauty.  What’s more, ditching the car could also benefit  your longevity, with research featured in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggesting that if adults increased their daily walking time by just 111 minutes at 3mphI, they could potentially add nearly 11 years to their lifespan. 
  3. Organise outdoor gatherings
    Make the most of the sunny season by hosting activities outdoors. Whether it’s a beach day with family, a picnic in the park, or a coffee catch-up in the garden, shared time outside fosters joy, connection, and lasting memories, which can lift mood and strengthen our mental and emotional wellbeing.  
  4. Bring nature indoors
    Add plants, flowers and natural scents to your home for a calming, uplifting environment. Studies show that houseplants can improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm—perfect for when outdoor time is limited. 
  5. Discover an outdoor hobby
    Explore gardening, star gazing, birdwatching, swimming in the sea or join an outdoor exercise class. These hobbies provide creative and physical outlets while deepening your connection with the natural world. 

Make nature a habit for the New Year 

The holidays are a time to reflect and set intentions for the months ahead. Just as this season invites us to pause and recharge, it also offers a chance to rekindle our connection with the natural world. 

By introducing small, intentional moments in nature into your daily routine—like a morning walk, an outdoor family activity, or simply enjoying your coffee in the sun—you can carry the restorative benefits of nature into the year ahead. 

Let this year be one where nature becomes your partner in building healthier, more balanced habits and greater resilience. The simple joys waiting just outside your door might be exactly what you need to reset, recharge, and thrive. 

For further support, consider Springfox’s Mastery in Action: Performance Mindset program. This is an interactive, engaging, and practical deep dive into the science of thriving. The program facilitates discussion around personal leadership and explores how it directly benefits an organisation’s resilience and performance. Get in touch via Springfox and submit an enquiry. 

About Author

Peta Sigley is the CEO and Co-founder of Springfox, Australia’s leading providers of evidence-based resilience training for individuals and organisations. Peta has a background in psychology and education, and works extensively with individuals, teams and organisations to help build resilience and enhance performance and wellbeing – both in the workplace and outside it.