Why I’m Committing to Spending Time in Nature Every Day
This is the second of three goals / habits that I’ll be focusing on during the month of February.
(For those keeping track, this is the 5th goal in Mike’s Surefooted goal setting experiment and habits kicking off on January 1st. If you want to follow along, join us here.)
Surefooted is grounded in a simple principle: daily journaling, and walking in nature with a trusted friend to talk about your goals, can help reconnect you with what matters most.
I grew up in the country, on a horse farm actually, and spent countless hours in the woods as a kid. One of my favourite things was building cabins among the trees. Whole summers would pass in a flash as I explored the forest behind our back field. That early connection with nature has stayed with me into adulthood.
During the three years we lived in the Dominican Republic, it was easy to get outside. A short walk down a cow path led to the jungle right on the beach, where Becky and I would tie up our hammocks and spend hot afternoons in the shade. Being under that canopy felt restorative - I always found my “happy thoughts,” and everything seemed possible.
These days, living in a more city-centred environment here in Italy, I try to carry that practice with me. I’m lucky to live close to the sea, and most days I walk down for a cup of coffee, sit in the sunshine, and look out over the water. Even a few minutes of intentional time outside makes a difference - it grounds me, quiets my mind, and refreshes me at the same time.
The Science Behind It
Time spent in nature has well-documented benefits for overall wellbeing.
One book that captures this idea is "Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing" by Dr. Qing Li. It emphasizes that immersing yourself in forests - even just walking among the trees - can have measurable effects on mental and physical wellbeing. Dr. Li’s research shows that these benefits are not just anecdotal: spending time in nature can improve focus, boost mood, and cultivate a sense of calm and presence.
Connection to My Values
Spending time in nature reflects values that matter to me:
• Presence over distraction
• Caring for my well being through small daily actions
• Reconnecting with the simplicity and joy of life outside of my normal routine
What I Hope to Learn
I’m curious about how a committed nature practice might shift my energy, focus, and sense of steadiness - rain or shine. Some questions I’m paying attention to include:
• How does even a short walk outside affect my mood or mindset?
• What changes when I treat this practice as non-negotiable rather than optional?
• Can daily time in nature deepen my connection to what matters most?
Invitation
I’d love to hear from you: how do you connect with nature? Do you walk, sit, hike, or simply notice the world around you? Leave a comment or share with us here.
No right answer - just curiosity.