Modern life can feel like a hamster wheel, can’t it? Emails, errands, endless notifications pinging on our phones — sometimes it feels like we barely get a chance to breathe. I don’t know about you, but when I get caught up in that whirlwind, I feel it in my body and mind. Frazzled. Flat. Just… off. But there’s a cure — and no, it’s not another fancy supplement or the latest app. It’s simply stepping outside and experiencing nature. It really is the best (and cheapest) therapist you’ll ever find.
Even science agrees — studies show that just 20 minutes outdoors experiencing nature can lower stress levels and improve mood. But beyond the research, it’s those moments in nature that really stay with you. The ones that move you, ground you, and remind you that you’re part of something bigger.
For me, one of the most unforgettable of those moments happened on a whale-watching trip in the Azores.
The Magic of Whale Watching
One of my most unforgettable outdoor experiences was going whale watching in the Azores. We set off on a small boat into the vast Atlantic, the sea air whipping around us, and before long we were treated to the most incredible sight — sperm whales and dolphins gracefully breaking the surface of the water. It was breathtaking, humbling, and a memory that will stay with me forever.
Of course, whale watching isn’t limited to the Atlantic. The Pacific offers equally magical encounters — Los Angeles whale watching has become one of the most popular ways to witness this magic, drawing visitors keen to see majestic grey whales, blue whales and even orcas on their migration routes. Whether you’re out in the wild Atlantic waters of the Azores or on the sunny Pacific coast of California, the feeling is the same: awe, wonder, and a deep respect for these extraordinary creatures.
4 Ways of Experiencing Nature
Of course, you don’t need to be on a boat in the Atlantic to feel the healing pull of the outdoors. Nature comes in all shapes and sizes — from the truly spectacular to the everyday. Here are a few ways that you might connect with it:
1. Hiking Scenic Trails
There’s something so calming about walking through the countryside. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the sound of birds, the smell of damp earth after rain. Even a short walk clears the cobwebs and puts things into perspective.
Some of my most memorable hikes have actually been in Canada. And let me tell you — walking through snowy forests in the middle of winter, surrounded by frozen lakes and frosty air, was beyond beautiful. It was soul-inspiring. Yes, it was cold (ridiculously cold), but that sense of peace and awe made every icy breath worth it.
2. Whale Watching Adventures
If you ever get the chance — do it. Honestly, it’s like pressing reset on your soul. Nothing else compares to the feeling of seeing a whale breach the surface of the ocean. It’s one of those bucket-list experiences that stays with you forever.
3. Camping Under the Stars (Portugal Edition)
Now here’s where my story gets a bit… real. I’ve only been camping twice in my life here in Portugal. The first attempt ended with us frantically packing up after a farmer warned us a herd of wild boar were on their way. (Yes, really.)
The second time, we thought we’d cracked it — until gale force winds nearly flattened our tents. We eventually found a sheltered spot near a beach, got everything set up, and then the heavens opened. It rained all night, our friend in the next tent was ill, and in the morning someone discovered they’d left their shoes outside… completely filled with rainwater. It was a disaster.
And yet, despite the chaos, I still remember the fresh air, the sound of the sea, and looking up at that night sky filled with stars. Even when nature’s being less-than-kind, it still has a way of taking your breath away.
4. Botanical Gardens and Parks
Of course, you don’t always need an epic adventure to reconnect with nature. I adore a good botanical garden or park. They’re the perfect antidote to busy days — and so accessible.
Some of my favourite memories are of wandering the gardens of incredible historical homes, like Chatsworth House, Osborne House, and Sandringham. Don’t get me wrong — the houses themselves are stunning (like stepping into another world, like Downton Abbey), but it’s the gardens that really take my breath away. Walking amongst perfectly kept lawns, flowerbeds, ancient trees (my absolute favourite way of experiencing nature), and fountains makes me feel grounded and grateful in a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s beauty you can literally breathe in.
Why Nature is the Soul’s Best Therapy
Nature heals in so many ways:
✨ It reduces stress. Just twenty minutes outdoors can lower cortisol levels (our main stress hormone). Add in salty sea air and a whale sighting, and you’ve got instant calm.
✨ It lifts mood and clarity. Time outside boosts serotonin and dopamine. It’s basically nature’s version of an anti-anxiety pill.
✨ It builds gratitude. You can’t schedule a whale sighting or guarantee a perfect sunset. When nature shows up, it feels like a gift.
✨ It teaches mindfulness. You can’t rush a sunrise. You can’t control the tides. Being outside reminds you to slow down and simply be.
✨ It builds resilience. Watching the cycles of the seasons or the vastness of the ocean reminds us that everything passes — even our hardest moments.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s hiking through snowy trails in Canada, wandering the gardens of the UK’s Chatsworth, Osborne House, or Sandringham, braving a camping trip (hopefully with fewer wild boar than mine!), or having your soul cracked wide open by the sight of a whale, experiencing nature has a way of reminding us what really matters.
It pulls us out of our busy minds and back into our bodies, back into the moment, back into the magic of simply being alive.
So the next time life feels heavy, try stepping outside. Let the fresh air fill your lungs, let the sky stretch out above you, and just… notice. Because the best therapy isn’t always found in books or apps — it’s waiting quietly, patiently, right there in the natural world
