This Week, Touch Some Grass: How Nature Can Help Your Nervous System Reset

Sometimes, we sit in this weird balance of feeling like something is off. Yet we still go through the motions instead of pushing for a nervous system reset. 

You could feel on edge, but you’re showing up to meetings, answering texts, and keeping the household running. From the outside, nothing looks dramatically different.

But internally, you feel out of balance. 

There’s a subtle hum beneath the surface, like a low-grade tension you can’t quite shake. You might find yourself checking the news more often than you want to. Maybe you’re scrolling before bed even though you know it doesn’t help. You’re waking up earlier than your alarm feeling both overstimulated and oddly tired at the same time.

These experiences are incredibly common during periods of uncertainty, high stress, or even as you are on the brink of burnout. And they often have less to do with your productivity or discipline than you might think.

More often than not, this is simply your nervous system trying to process a world that hasn’t slowed down long enough for you to settle.

When the World Feels Uncertain, Your Nervous System Feels It Too

Human beings are wired to respond to changes in our environment.

When the world around us feels unpredictable, whether that’s global events or personal stress, our nervous system goes into a heightened state of awareness. It’s scanning for potential threats, trying to keep us safe.

The challenge is that in modern life, the “threats” are rarely immediate or physical.

Instead, they come through headlines, social media, endless notifications, and the pressure to stay informed. Even when we’re technically safe, our nervous system can remain stuck in a subtle state of alertness.

That’s when we start noticing symptoms like:

Constantly checking the news or social media (eg. doomscrolling, scrolling but not taking in any of the information)

Feeling wired but tired (eg. you are so exhausted when laying on the couch and then you get into bed and your mind starts to race)

Trouble falling or staying asleep (eg. you wake up around 3AM and it takes you awhile to go back to sleep)

Difficulty focusing (eg. you easily forget words, why you walked into a room, or stare at an email and don’t know what to type)

Restlessness or irritability (eg. you can’t sit still or find everything is annoying)

You know that things feel off and these symptoms only make you feel worse, but somehow you just deal with it and keep pushing through it.

The Morning I Noticed My Own Nervous System Was Overloaded

I noticed this happening to me recently on a recent Saturday morning. When I woke up, my body felt tense before the day had even started, like I was already bracing for something.  It made me want to to stay in bed all day, tucked under the covers.  I was overwhelmed, unmotivated, yet, I felt like my body wanted to crawl out of my skin. 

Luckily, I had already planned a day at the beach with friends to spend the day outside and forage for mussels along the shore.  

And that day at the beach turned out to be exactly what my nervous system needed.  I felt regenerated, rested, and restored.  It makes total sense why people will tell you to “go touch grass” when you are stressed out.  There’s a reason time in nature can feel so restorative.

The Science Behind Why Nature Helps Reduce Stress

Research has consistently shown that spending time outdoors can:

  • Lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone)
  • Improve mood and emotional regulation
  • Enhance mental clarity and focus
  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress
  • Support nervous system regulation

Nature naturally encourages our bodies to slow down.

When we step outside, our senses begin to re-engage in ways they often don’t indoors. We feel the breeze on our skin, hear the rhythm of waves or birds, notice the warmth of sunlight, and experience open space instead of screens and walls.

Even a short period of time outside can help shift the nervous system from a state of tension into a state of calm. It gives our nervous system a direct, physical signal that it is safe to slow down.

Nature reminds us that life unfolds in cycles and seasons. Nothing blooms year-round. Nothing grows faster because we worry about it.

When we take the time to observe the natural world, even briefly, it invites us back into the present moment. Not to ignore reality, but to create enough space that we can respond to it with more clarity.

Simple Ways to Reset Your Nervous System in Nature

You don’t need a full beach day or a wilderness retreat to experience the benefits of nature.

Small moments can be surprisingly powerful.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of the world, or simply the weight of your own responsibilities, consider incorporating one of these simple practices into your day.

Open your windows and let fresh air in

Fresh air can shift the energy of a space almost instantly. Opening windows in your home, office, or even your car can help your body feel less confined and more relaxed.

Let the sun warm your face

Step outside for a few minutes and simply stand in the sunlight. Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and can boost mood and energy levels.

Take a short walk

A quick walk around the block or through a nearby park can help release physical tension and bring your nervous system back into balance.

Eat a meal outside

Instead of eating in front of your computer or television, try taking your meal outside. Even a few minutes of mindful eating outdoors can create a sense of calm.

Call someone you care about while outdoors

If you’re catching up with a friend or family member, consider stepping onto your porch, balcony, or driveway while you talk. The combination of connection and fresh air can be deeply grounding.

When your nervous system has space to reset, you’re better equipped to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come your way. You think more clearly and respond more thoughtfully. Most importantly, you conserve energy for the things that actually matter.

Even a few intentional minutes of light, fresh air, movement, and natural sound can create a noticeable shift in how your body feels.

A Simple Commitment for This Week

If you’ve been feeling the heaviness lately, consider making one small commitment this week:

Spend intentional time outside.

It doesn’t have to be long or perfect. It just needs to be enough for your nervous system to take a breath.

Notice how your body responds.

You may be surprised by how much a little sunlight, fresh air, movement, and open space can shift your perspective. If you want additional support, check out the Nourished Life Starter Kit. This kit is full of tools and resources to meet you exactly where you are, and help you implement practices to reset your nervous system.