The Science of Nature and the Nervous System: How the Outdoors Restores Your Mind and Body

Episode 139 • 18 mins 28 secs

There’s a reason your shoulders may drop when you step outside… A reason your breath may deepens near water… A reason something in you may relax a little when you pause beneath a tree.

In this episode, host Elizabeth Mintun explores what’s actually happening in your body and nervous system when you spend time in nature, and why something so simple can feel so profoundly restorative. Blending personal story, science, and soulful reflection, she shares a moment from my forest bathing training that changed how she understands presence, support, and what it means to be in relationship with the natural world. In addition, she dives into some of the research behind nature’s impact on stress, attention, and emotional regulation and, more importantly, what the natural world can teach us about rhythm, rest, and reclaiming a more human pace of living.

This is an invitation to step out of constant doing… And remember how to simply be.

Key Takeaways

• Nature regulates your nervous system. Even brief time outdoors can lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and shift your body into a state of rest and repair.

• Attention matters. Nature restores your mental energy by engaging effortless attention and curiosity, allowing your overworked brain to replenish.

• You belong to the natural world. Reconnecting with nature is, in many ways, remembering who you already are.

Resources

Previous episodes on forest bathing and nature to check out:

#9 - Forest Bathing for Replenished Energy

#36 - Living Your Wild Soul Story: A Journey with Mary Reynolds Thompson

Learn more about 1:1 Coaching with Elizabeth Mintun here

Contact Elizabeth: [email protected]

Find Elizabeth on Facebook & IG @thecalmingground

Subscribe to The Calming Ground Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend