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Did you know that spending time in nature can improve your physical and mental well-being?
You don’t need to spend lots of time in purely wild places to experience benefits. Research has shown that as little as 15 minutes spent outdoors can reduce feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety while at the same time increasing immune system function, concentration, and memory. Here are some easy ways to get started!
- Need some motivation? Did you know that Cornell Health clinicians and mental health providers can “prescribe” or recommend nature to students? Talk to them the next time you visit Cornell Health, or make your own nature plan with this survey.
- Check out our Campus Nature page and choose a spot that you’d like to visit. Consider asking a friend to go along with you.
- Join the Nature Rx student organization or check out their events!
- Whether you are new to nature, or experienced but want fresh ideas, click or hover on the activity cards below to find ways to connect with nature.
Click or hover on the activity cards below to view more information.
Set your phone and other distractions aside, and allow yourself to become intentionally immersed in the sights, sounds, and sensations around as you walk between places for a day or a week. What subtleties do you notice in nature?
Choose a “sit spot” outdoors, and open your awareness to the nature sounds around you. At first, you might notice only a few sounds, or become distracted. Allow time to become fully present to what you can hear.
Campus is home to many wild animals such as birds, insects, and squirrels! Find an animal to watch for at least 5-10 minutes. Notice how it moves, uses its environment, and interacts with other animals.
Pick a spot outdoors and take a moment to write about what you feel inspired by, or simply sketch or doodle. It’s OK to free-flow, don’t worry about perfection. If you’d like, invite a friend to journal with you.
Rest outdoors for whatever time you have, whether 5 minutes or an hour. Set an alarm so you can relax. Take a moment to connect to the earth beneath you, take a few deep, cleansing breaths, and enjoy your break.
On a cloudy day, find a peaceful spot outside to sit or lay down. Pick out a cloud in the sky. With each breath, watch whether the cloud changes shape or size. Breath until the cloud drifts or fades away.
Have an outdoor picnic with a friend. While you eat, share memorable outdoor experiences like nature adventures you had as a child, your favorite outdoor space on campus, and your favorite outdoor activities.
Can’t get outside? Search Cornell Lab of Ornithology streaming bird cams and choose one to watch and listen to. You can also stream it in the background to add the noises of nature to your day.