The Trail to Tranquility: How Nature Nurtures My Mind

Last year, we traveled to Garden City, Utah, for The Bear 100, a 100-mile trail race. My husband was gearing up for his second race of this distance, while I took on the role of his support crew. We decided to arrive a week early and rented a lake house so I could work remotely in the days leading up to the race.

However, the WiFi at the house was less than reliable—barely enough for me to scrape by with the essentials for my day job. At first, I was frustrated and stressed, convinced I wouldn’t be able to check off everything on my to-do list. Deadlines loomed, but they were ones I had imposed on myself, and the weight of them felt heavy.

One afternoon, my husband and some friends headed out for a casual mid-day run through the hills near town. On a whim, I decided to join them, trading my work screen for a trailhead. That unexpected break from the grind was like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. The simplicity of being outside brought me clarity about what truly matters.

For the rest of the week, I let go of the rigid task list and embraced the spontaneity of lake-house living. I ran, hiked, swam, painted outdoors, and rediscovered the joy of simply being present.

The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

A Break from WiFi and the Hustle

In a world where constant notifications, emails, and social media updates demand our attention, it can feel impossible to truly unplug. Yet stepping away from the digital noise has profound effects on mental well-being. Research shows that excessive screen time and multitasking can increase stress, decrease focus, and even lead to burnout.

When we disconnect from the digital world and immerse ourselves in nature, our brains finally have a chance to reset. A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports found that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature significantly improves mental health and well-being. That’s just two hours of walking in the woods, sitting by a lake, or wandering through a local park.

Personally, I’ve found that escaping the WiFi zone brings a much-needed sense of clarity. Without the endless to-do list and constant pings pulling me in a dozen directions, I’m able to focus on what’s truly important. My thoughts feel less cluttered, and I can fully engage with the present moment. The absence of distractions creates a mental calm that makes space for creativity, problem-solving, and mindfulness—things that often get lost in the daily hustle.

Taking that step into nature, even for a short time, reminds me that the world keeps turning whether or not my inbox is cleared. It’s a simple, restorative break that allows me to return to my responsibilities with a clear mind and a calmer heart.

Freedom from Judgment

One of the most liberating aspects of being in nature is the freedom to simply exist without judgment. Out on the trail, there’s no one to critique how you look, how fast you’re moving, or what you’re working toward. Nature doesn’t care about perfection; it celebrates authenticity. That absence of external expectations creates a space where I feel free to explore, create, and dream without hesitation.

Case Kenny once said, “The entire point of life is to take chances on dreams that seem crazy to most but feel like destiny to you.” This resonates deeply with me when I’m outdoors. Nature has a way of stripping away the voices of doubt—both external and internal—and encouraging me to embrace my own path, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

When I paint on the trail or pause to soak in a view, I’m not thinking about whether someone will judge my art or question my choices. I’m simply present, connecting with what feels true to me in that moment. Out here, the only voice that matters is my own, and it’s easier to listen when the noise of the world fades away.

This freedom from judgment is transformative. It’s in these moments that I feel the courage to take chances—whether that’s in art, life, or pursuing a dream that others might not understand. Nature reminds me that it’s okay to follow a path that feels uniquely mine, and that doing so is not just valid, but necessary for living fully and authentically.

Timelessness of Nature

Taking a step into nature, even briefly, serves as a gentle reminder that life doesn’t have to revolve around deadlines, schedules, or inboxes. In the natural world, time unfolds at its own pace. The trees don’t rush to grow, the rivers flow without urgency, and the sun rises and sets without consulting a calendar. This timeless rhythm creates a stark contrast to the constant ticking of clocks and the urgency of modern life.

For me, stepping away from the constraints of time is one of the most restorative aspects of being outdoors. When I’m surrounded by the quiet permanence of nature, I’m reminded that my to-do list isn’t as pressing as it seems. Whether I’m hiking through a dense forest or painting a landscape, I find myself absorbed in the present moment. Minutes and hours blend together, and the stress of keeping track of time simply falls away.

This timelessness invites reflection, creativity, and mindfulness. Without the weight of schedules, I feel free to truly experience my surroundings—whether it’s the way sunlight filters through the trees, the rustle of leaves in the wind, or the vivid colors of a sunset. These moments anchor me, providing a sense of calm and clarity that I carry back into my daily life.

In those serene pockets of time, nature teaches me an important truth: the world keeps turning whether or not I’m meeting every deadline. And when I return to my responsibilities, I do so with a clear mind, a calmer heart, and a renewed appreciation for the balance between doing and simply being.

Personal Impact

Spending time in nature has become more than just a way to escape—it’s an essential practice for my mental and emotional well-being. For me, the benefits of being outdoors reach far beyond the moment. Nature has a way of reshaping how I approach my life, my art, and my mindset.

When I step away from the hustle and into the quiet of the outdoors, I find that my perspective shifts. Without the distractions of work, deadlines, and constant notifications, I’m able to reconnect with myself in a way that feels grounded and true. There’s something about the simplicity of nature that clears away the noise in my mind, and this clarity carries over into my work.

As an artist, I often find that the best ideas come to me when I’m outside—whether I’m painting in the field or simply soaking in a landscape. The calm I feel in nature unlocks my creativity in a way that sitting at a desk or stressing over a to-do list never can. I’m able to approach my art with a sense of freedom and spontaneity, free from self-imposed pressures or fear of judgment. In these moments, I feel deeply connected to my surroundings, and that connection flows directly into my work.

More than just enhancing my creativity, nature has taught me the value of slowing down. In a world that constantly demands more, the stillness of the outdoors reminds me that it’s okay to take a break. I’ve learned that taking time for myself—whether that’s a quiet moment by a lake, a run through the woods, or simply pausing to appreciate the view—is not indulgent; it’s necessary for my well-being.

Ultimately, nature has given me the space to focus on what truly matters: my health, my happiness, and my dreams. It’s where I’ve learned to listen to my inner voice, trust my instincts, and embrace the unknown. And as I return to my daily life, I do so with a sense of clarity, peace, and purpose that I wouldn’t trade for anything.