Embracing Fun and Games in Nature

 

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”

– John Burroughs, American naturalist and essayist, 1912

 

There’s something profoundly reassuring about this quote from over a century ago—proof that long before smartphones and schedules, people instinctively embraced nature to restore their equilibrium. Today, with our lives full of stimulation, deadlines and distraction, the need to reconnect with the natural world is more vital than ever.

 

Spending quiet or playful time in nature is not merely a leisure activity—it’s a form of medicine. A walk in the woods, the scent of freshly cut grass or the rhythmic sound of ocean waves has a way of reordering the clutter in our minds and easing the tension in our bodies. In those moments, we’re not escaping life—we’re returning to something essential. Nature and play invite us to slow down, breathe deeply and realign with a rhythm that is both ancient and healing.

 

And it’s not just about mental clarity or stress relief. As we reconnect with the earth beneath our feet and the sky above, or let the vibration of laughter course through our body, something internal begins to shift. Subtle, but meaningful changes occur in the way our bodies function—especially when it comes to our emotional well-being. We are sensitive instruments, and stress, overstimulation and environmental toxins can throw off the intricate balance of our internal systems.

 

Hormonal shifts are a prime example of this delicate dance. From adolescence to menopause and beyond, many women experience fluctuations that can affect mood, sleep, memory and energy. While these changes are natural, they don’t have to be endured in isolation or without support. Time in nature—laughter and play with loved ones in the sun, playing with a pet at the park or even sitting quietly under a tree—has been shown to elevate oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that soothes the nervous system and promotes emotional harmony.

 

By grounding ourselves in the natural world, we allow our bodies to recalibrate. It’s a gentle, intuitive process that reminds us that healing isn’t always found in something we buy or achieve—it’s part of the body’s innate ability to find balance right outside our door.

 

So, this spring, I invite us all to step outside and tune in to the rhythms and games that surround us. In doing so, we may find the balance we’ve been seeking as we walk the path toward feeling good, living simply and laughing more.