How to Connect with Nature: 8 Proven Ways to Reconnect For Better Health

Did you know that immersing yourself in forests has been scientifically proven to help balance your autonomic nervous system? The truth is that modern humans are gradually losing their connection with nature, leading to stress and mental imbalance.

At CHUS, we believe that reconnecting with nature not only heals the soul but also nurtures a sustainable lifestyle. That's why this article was created to help you discover 8 simple yet effective methods to rediscover harmony with the natural world starting today.

1. Walking in Green Spaces

Take time to connect with nature through walking or long-distance cycling in nature reserves. Breathe deeply in the fresh air, listen to birds singing and streams babbling. This is called "forest bathing" - immersing yourself in the forest. A recent study (2024) in Frontiers in Psychology confirmed that "forest bathing" improves stress management ability through balancing the autonomic nervous system.

Forest bathing offers more than just a pleasant walk; it's a therapeutic practice that allows your nervous system to reset and find its natural rhythm. When you connect with nature through this mindful approach, you're engaging in one of the most accessible forms of natural healing available.

2. Planting Trees

Are you looking for that special connection with nature? Albert Einstein said, “A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space… Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Planting is an awesome way to keep nature in its beauty and to give something back to our nature.

3. Listening to the rain

Do you enjoy listening to the sound of rain falling? The sound of rain on rooftops or through windows has the ability to soothe the mind. You're not the only one who notices this - many others find that rain sounds help calm their mood. Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan & Kaplan) confirms that exposure to nature helps restore focus through "naturally pleasant" stimuli like flowing water or rustling leaves. And falling rainwater is perfect for this!
Rain sounds represent one of nature's most accessible forms of therapy. Whether you're listening to actual rainfall or recorded sounds, this practice helps you connect with nature even when you're indoors, making it an invaluable tool for urban dwellers seeking natural stress relief.

>> Read more: 16 Green Living Tips You Can Start Today

4. Eating natural foods

The food we eat is our connection to nature and the universe. We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat” and this is true, on both a physical and spiritual level. Biologically, your body uses the food you eat as building blocks for new cells, so on that level, the food you eat literally becomes you. That’s why you need to eat natural foods and avoid artificial foods.

Tips:

• Buy organic fruits and vegetables.
• Buy small amounts of organic free-range meat.
• Choose organic soy products.
• Cut back or eliminate all meat, fish, and dairy products.
• Eliminate all factory-farmed meat and farmed fish from your diet.

5. Aromatherapy

It can be difficult to maintain a sense of connection with the earth and its natural, balanced rhythm when you are trying to keep up with countless to-dos, your environmental surroundings, and online meetings! When we are feeling out of sync, we can use aromatherapy as a powerful method to ground ourselves.

Breathing in and out with essential oils can help us emotionally and physically connect with the present moment, as well as find balance mentally, spiritually, and energetically.

Check out these essential oils, great for your health and mood:

Natural Essential Oils

120,000 ₫

Peppermint Essential Oil

180,000 ₫

30%

126,000 ₫

Peppermint Essential Oil

80,000 ₫

Peppermint Essential Oil Hanging Jar, Invigorating And Uplifting, Uplifting Aroma, Natural Air Freshener, Portable And Versatile, Sustainable And Eco-Friendly, Perfect Gift For Any Woman

130,000 ₫

6. Meditation

Meditation is all about breathing in and out. When we sit on the ground during our nature meditations, our body's rhythm synchronizes with the earth's natural vibrations so that we can actually breathe in and out with nature. This harmony greatly enhances the experience of meditation. It may seem that our senses are heightened – our hearing feels sharper and our skin receptors feel more sensitive.

>>> Read more: What is healing and why has it become popular in recent years?

7. Nature journaling

Nature journaling is a writing method in natural (and unnatural) environments - for example, writing while sitting on your room's balcony. A large survey in Australia (Brisbane & Sydney, 2,084 people) showed that between people with high and low levels of nature connection, despite the same frequency of visiting green spaces, the "high connection" group significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and depression more than others; mindful attention to nature is a mediating mechanism.

Several studies show that writing, like mindful states, can reduce stress, enhance awareness, and boost immunity. So try combining these two things together. First, choose a notebook to inspire this process:

"Eco-Office" Gift Box, Delivering Green Message, Premium Gift Set with Unique Bamboo Office Supplies, High-End Corporate Gift, Vietnamese Souvenir

660,000 ₫

Personalized Clover Leather Journal, 18x11cm, Excellent Information Storage Solution, Hand-Dyed Leather Notebook, Flexible Paper Core, Colleague Gift

636,000 ₫

19%

515,000 ₫

Hand-Embroidered Nature Motif Notebook, Art Is Always Beside You, Notebook With Diverse Designs, Art Notebook, Vietnamese Souvenir, Handmade Gift

425,000 ₫

Brocade Notebook, Celebrate Vietnamese Heritage, Handmade Notebook With Brocade Fabric Cover, Recycled From H'Mong Costumes, Gifts For Foreigners

170,000 ₫

8. Artwork

Earth doesn't just provide what we need to thrive, like air and food; it also brings artistic inspiration. Nature's beauty has inspired many artisans through brilliant sunlight or the natural geometry of pinecones. Artisans have conveyed that beauty through mediums like paintings, murals, or sculptures; artists have used nature to create art.

specially land art, where any natural element can become creative material. Arranging leaves, stacking stones, or drawing in sand - all are ways for you to become a land-art artist!

Land art - a wonderful way to connect with nature (Image: Internet)

Conclusion

Which of these methods for connecting with nature do you feel is most suitable for you? What will you do today to connect with nature?

Remember: Connecting with nature is not a task to be completed, but a lifestyle to be nurtured every day. Start with the method you find easiest, then gradually expand!

CHUS wishes you a successful journey of connecting with nature, and don't forget that there are many essential oil products, scented candles, and other handcrafted products on CHUS that can accompany you on this journey!

FAQs

• What is forest bathing and is it effective?
  Forest bathing is mindfully immersing yourself in forests, not just walking but deeply sensing the surrounding environment.
• What are the spiritual benefits of tree planting?
  Tree planting creates feelings of accomplishment, responsibility, and connection with life cycles. Daily plant care helps you slow down, be more mindful, and feel nature's wonder.
• Why do rain sounds have relaxing effects?
  Rain sounds are "naturally pleasant stimuli" that help restore focus and soothe the mind. Rain sounds create natural white noise, effectively reducing stress.
• Can real rain sounds be replaced by recordings?
  Yes, especially useful for city dwellers. Rain recordings still provide relaxing effects, helping connect with nature even indoors. This is a valuable tool for urban dwellers.
• What is land art and how to practice it?
  Land art uses any natural elements as creative materials. Arranging leaves, stacking stones, drawing in sand - all are ways for you to become a land-art artist! This is a wonderful way to connect with nature.