The Power of Presence: Regulating Our Nervous System Outdoors

Want More Passion (Love of self, others, community), Purpose (Your calling, professionally and personally), and Play (Zest & Hope) in Your Life?

Get curious and ask…when was the last time you were present outdoors?

Not just outside to run an errand or walk the dog while scrolling your phone—but truly present. Breathing deeply…Noticing your surroundings…Feeling the sun, the breeze, or even the earth beneath you.

Spending time outside is a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves and the present moment. Whether you’re walking a familiar trail, sitting at a café with a view, or tossing a ball with your dog, nature invites us to slow down, breathe deeper, and return to what is important to us.

When we’re outside, especially with intention, we create space to notice beauty, attune to our senses, and let go of the noise that often clutters our minds. Even five minutes outdoors can shift your whole day.

Research consistently shows that being in nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and even strengthens our immune system. There’s something deeply grounding about being in the moment while outside, it helps regulate our nervous system, and anchors us in the now.

Here are 3 simple ways to be more mindful outdoors:

1. Name Five Things You See
   Whether it's tree branches, shifting clouds, or ants on the sidewalk—naming what you notice and describing it helps anchor your awareness and brings you into the present.

2. Walk Like You Have Nowhere to Be
   Slow down your steps. Breathe in sync with your movement. Feel the rhythm of your body and the earth beneath you. Let it become a walking meditation.

3. Go Phone-Free for Just 10 Minutes
   Leave your phone behind or put it on airplane mode. Let your senses take the lead—listen to birdsong, feel the sun or a breeze, smell the air after rain. Let it be a mindful pause in your day.

So if you’re feeling restless, anxious, stuck, or disconnected; then step outside. Let nature ground you in the present, and gently remind you of the Passion, Purpose, and Play that already lives within you.