The healing, restorative, and stress-reducing power of nature is well-documented, especially in today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world.
At Wildwood Outdoor Education Center, we understand the deep benefits of connecting with nature for both children and adults. But how can you bring those benefits into your everyday life when going for a hike or visiting a Kansas City park isn’t always practical?
As Wildwood’s Executive Director, I’m fortunate to work surrounded by nature. But even when I lived in the city and commuted to a basement office in Raytown, I was healthier and more focused when I made an effort to sneak small doses of nature into my day.
If you’re looking for simple, accessible ways to experience the benefits of outdoor wellness in the workplace, here are a few ideas:
1. Stream Nature to Your Desk
Live nature webcams can help you feel connected to the outdoors, even when you’re stuck inside. Explore.org offers a wide selection of live streams from around the world. Some of my favorites include the underwater manatee cams at Blue Spring State Park and Homosassa Springs in Florida.
Even when the manatees aren’t present, there are interesting fish and a calming soundtrack. I also love to watch the Panama fruit feeder cam–although that one can distract me from my work! Check out nesting eagles, African water holes (even at night!) and many other amazing live feeds.
For a windowless or basement office, you can set up a monitor or an old laptop with the livecam running to simulate a window.
2. Sprinkle Nature Into Your Commute
Can you adjust your route to drive through a park or natural area?
If the option is there, I like to trade rush-hour traffic on I-435 for a slower cruise through Swope Park, complete with views of Lake of the Woods. When I added this detour to my drive, I immediately noticed my shoulders relaxing and my jaw unclenching.
Other favorite routes include driving along Ward Parkway (particularly during the spring and fall) or Mission Road between 103rd and 135th.
Adjusting your route to see more nature is an easy way to stay in touch with the seasons and maintain a subtle connection with the natural rhythms of the world around you.
And if you happen to get stopped by a family of mallard ducks crossing the road? Take it as a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t always operate on your schedule—and that’s OK.
3. Create a Nighttime Nature Ritual
Before bed, consider taking five minutes for an outdoor mindfulness practice on your porch or balcony. You likely already have a nighttime routine of checking locks or turning out the lights—try adding a brief planet appreciation pause to that rhythm.
If you can, step outside. If you can’t, gaze out a window. Then take a few minutes to notice the world. Notice the color of the night sky, the position of the moon, the smell of the air, the sounds you can hear.
Even urban settings are full of nature when we’re looking for it. You can notice the call of owls in the trees or Canada geese migrating over your home. You can hear insects or frogs calling and remember you are part of an environment that is bigger than your individual experience.
This simple, nature-based meditation can be grounding and calming before sleep.
Building a Daily Nature Connection
In short, you don’t need a tent or fancy camping gear to experience the joys of nature.
A few minutes of noticing the beauty, rhythm, or life outside of ourselves can be enough to feel connected with our planet.
At Wildwood, we know that small, daily nature practices help build campers’ resilience, appreciation, and joy.
This is as true for kids at camp as it is for grownups in offices. Whether a camper is patiently waiting to catch a frog at the edge of the pond, or an adult is letting the breeze roll through their fingers as they drive, the impact is the same–a moment of peace, wonder, and connection.
Want more ideas to add nature to your routine? Visit our website or see us in person on May 10-11th for our Open House and discover how we’re connecting people to the outdoors every day.