Finding Peace in Nature: A Simple Way to Restore Balance

Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest, California (2021)

 

 

 

Why Being in Nature Is So Good for Us 

As you may or may not know, I’m an avid hiker, wandering trails and climbing peaks on a weekly basis (as much as my work allows), and it's become a necessary way of life for me. But it wasn't always like that. Before I started hiking, I enjoyed daily neighborhood strolls and I was fit enough for walking, but I was lonely and the couch was my constant companion. I knew I needed a change, so I opened an app called Meetup and stumbled upon a local hiking group that literally changed my life. That first hike to Potato Mountain in Claremont, CA was a revelation -- the crunch of leaves underfoot, the fresh air filling my lungs, the sense of connection with others and with nature itself, and the thought that I would die of a heart attack right there on the trail! Walking is one thing, and hiking takes it to another level altogether. That was over nine years ago and hiking has transformed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

There’s something magical about stepping outside, breathing in fresh air, and feeling the sun on your skin. Whether it’s a walk through the forest, tending a garden, or simply sitting under a tree, time spent out in nature has a way of restoring us. And science agrees -- being outdoors isn’t just enjoyable, it’s actually good for our health and well-being.

Nature Reduces Stress

Studies show that spending even just 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, helping our bodies and minds feel more at ease. When we’re surrounded by greenery, like trees swaying gently in the breeze, sunlight filtering through leaves, or birds singing overhead, our brains naturally shift out of “go, go, go” mode and enter a calmer, more reflective state. Even subtle exposure, like sitting in a park or walking along a quiet trail, allows our nervous system to relax and reduces the tension that builds up from daily pressures.

Unlike scrolling on a phone or sitting in front of a screen, nature engages our senses in a restorative way: the smell of earth after rain, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the gentle rustle of branches all signal to our bodies that it’s safe to slow down. This sensory immersion not only quiets the mind but can improve focus, elevate mood, and leave us feeling rejuvenated, like we’ve given ourselves a mini-vacation without leaving our neighborhood.

Hiking through Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (2024)

Sunshine Boosts Mood & Vitamin D

A little sunshine does wonders for our bodies. Natural sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality, while also supporting the production of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and bolsters the immune system. There’s a reason we naturally feel more energetic and uplifted after spending time outside -- the warmth on our skin, the brightness of the day, and even the gentle squinting of our eyes in sunlight signal our bodies to release feel-good hormones like serotonin.  Those red cheeks after a day at the beach aren't only a sign of sun exposure, but also a natural glow that shows the world you're relaxed and happy.

Even brief exposure, whether sitting on a park bench or hiking up a hill, can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s a simple, natural way to recharge both body and mind, reminding us that some of the best remedies are free and all around us.

At the end of the Devil's Chair Trail, Pleasant View Wilderness, San Gabriel Mountains, CA (2020)

Fresh Air for a Clear Mind

Have you ever noticed how a problem feels smaller after a walk outside? Fresh air improves oxygen flow throughout the body, which helps the brain work more efficiently and keeps us alert yet relaxed. Being outdoors encourages mindful observation: watching a squirrel dart across a branch, feeling the texture of bark, hearing leaves rustle in the wind.  All these small details anchor us to the present moment, remind us to slow down, breathe deeply, and clear mental clutter.

Unlike indoor environments that are often overstimulating, a walk along a trail or even sitting quietly in a green space allows thoughts to settle, creativity to flow, and perspective to return. Many people find solutions come more easily, ideas spark more naturally, and emotions feel lighter after even a short time in the outdoors. We've all had days where we feel like an anvil is perched on our shoulders; I know I have. A quick walk in the neighborhood or a more intentional hike in the local hills can help shed the weight of that anvil and instantly restores the balance of my mind, giving me a better outlook on life.

Zion National Park, Utah (2023)

Connection and Grounding

Being in nature reminds us that we are part of something bigger. Feeling the earth beneath our feet, smelling the fresh scent of pine, or listening to a stream trickle by can foster a sense of grounding and belonging. These small, sensory-rich experiences help regulate emotions, reduce feelings of loneliness, and cultivate a quiet resilience.

When I hike, I feel that grounding most strongly. Each step connects me to the rhythm of the earth, and every breath of fresh air is a reminder that life moves at its own pace. This connection is restorative in ways our fast-paced, screen-filled lives rarely offer.  Nature doesn’t demand our attention, but it offers it freely to anyone willing to step outside. And even when I feel the pull of work, or anxiety wants to chain me to the couch, I make the effort to jump in my car and drive up the mountain for my weekly hike, coming down rejuvenated, in spite of the workout, and ready for another day of work.

My 22nd Summit to the peak of Mt. Baldy, CA (2025)

Why It Inspires My Work

My love for nature is at the heart of everything I create. Out on a trail, I’m reminded of how restorative the natural world can be -- the quiet strength of trees, the grounding scent of the earth, the way sunlight instantly lifts the spirit. Those same qualities are what draw me to working with herbs, clays, and plant oils and butters.

To me, there’s something beautiful about the simplicity of using what the earth already provides. Just as time outdoors brings balance to the mind and body, I believe the things we use every day should reflect that same harmony. When I choose ingredients, I’m guided by this philosophy: nature already knows what we need.

Incorporating pieces of the natural world, whether it’s a calming herb, a mineral-rich clay, or a nourishing plant butter, feels like a small but meaningful way to stay connected to that grounding energy, even when life keeps us indoors.

Sunset Peak, Mt. Baldy Wilderness, CA (2024)

Inspired by the Outdoors

When I look back at the day I first joined that hiking group, I realize it wasn’t just about getting outside, it was about reconnecting with myself. Nature gave me community, strength, peace, and inspiration. Nine years later, it continues to shape both my life and my business.

We don’t always need to hike to a mountain peak to feel the benefits of nature. Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping outside barefoot in the grass, watching the clouds, or listening to leaves rustle in the wind. These small but powerful moments remind us to breathe, slow down, and come back to center.

And if you want to bring a little bit of that grounding feeling indoors, my handmade soaps are crafted with natural ingredients -- herbs, clays, butters, and essential oils -- that are inspired by the beauty and simplicity of nature. It’s a small way to make your daily routine feel like a grounding ritual.  So the next time life feels overwhelming, step outside, and when you come back in, let nature meet you at the sink or shower, too. 

Are you a lover of the outdoors? I'd love to hear in the comments how you connect with nature.

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