Building a Better Wellness Routine to Address Anxiety – Part 3
Posted: May 21, 2025 | By: Shanon Peckham
Touch Grass (Yes, Really)
Most of us are chronically online (or chronically indoors at least), and we’re missing so many of the amazing benefits of going outside. While there are certainly times you want to avoid being outdoors (bad air quality, storms, heat waves, etc), generally speaking, getting some fresh air is almost always beneficial for your health and well-being.
To start, just experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of nature can reduce stress and improve mood, decreasing our anxiety levels.14,15,16 Bonus points for being near a body of water! Part of this calming effect is due to the grounding you experience when you “touch grass”, so to speak. Engaging with the five senses (a grounding technique, which we recommended in the first section) helps reconnect you to the earth and the present moment, soothing distress and giving you a much-needed reality check.17 Are things really that bad, or do you just need to take a quiet moment to reset your sense of emotional safety? When life gets busy, it can be counterintuitive to drop everything for a nature walk, but a quick break from the noise can make a world of difference.
Beyond making us feel better emotionally, outdoor excursions can also help strengthen our muscles, bolster our long-distance vision, generate beneficial vitamin D, boost cognitive function/focus, and improve our overall health (all of which contribute to a healthier mental state and reduced stress).18 Being outside can even help you rebuild your attention span,18 which may come in handy if you’re planning to do a digital detox or pick up a more fulfilling hobby to get away from screens.
Here are some easy ways to build a little more nature time into your routine:
- Go for a daily walk – Quick and easy to do, whether it be before, after, or during work
- Move your workouts, yoga sessions, jogging, and other sports practices outside
- Plan weekend hikes or picnics with your friends
- Start an indoor garden – Perfect for those who live in a more extreme climate
- Plan seasonal excursions to specific parks and destinations to help keep you motivated
- Take a few minutes outside to watch the sunrise or sunset – it can boost your mood, sleep quality, and overall health19
If you haven’t read them already, make sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this blog series!
Don’t let the stigma stop you from getting the help you need to change your life for the better – everyone deserves to live in safety, dignity, and enjoy a fulfilling life. We hope this research, nutrition, and these coping tools help you negotiate a healthier relationship with the anxiety in your life. Share your favorites with friends and loved ones to help spread awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month!
Note: Though all of these exercises are well-researched and we believe they will help support you in your healing journey, please keep in mind that they may not work for everyone and are not a replacement for a doctor, licensed therapist, or live-saving medication. Likewise, our products are not for everyone; please consult your healthcare professional before trying a new supplement for the first time. If your emotional distress symptoms are severe or worsen while trying these exercises or products, we always recommend contacting your healthcare professional or therapist. Don’t wait to seek help if you need it. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, you can get the help you need by calling SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Sources
14 Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments, 2019
15 A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks, 2021
17 What Is Grounding, University of New Hampshire
18 3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health, UC David Health
19 Mental Health Benefits of Watching The Sunrise, PsychCentral
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