By Amanda Stemen

Nature outings are one of the most beloved parts of the Sierra Club—and for very good reason. Nature is like a wise old friend who brews you a cup of tea, gives you a hug, and says, “Take a breath, you’ve got this.” Sunshine, fresh air, and a generous serving of green stuff (not the kale kind, don’t worry) lead to greater happiness, more peace, rejuvenation, and—get this—actual connection. Like, real connection. With other life. Remember that?

Here’s the "sciencey" bit (hang in there, it’s cool): green space literally helps heal our brains. Thanks to something called “directed attention fatigue” (that moment your brain short-circuits from 23 tabs, 17 texts, and that email you were supposed to respond to yesterday), our noggins get tired. Urban living, screen overload, and the buzz of modern life basically wear our brains out. But nature? Nature says, “Shhh, just look at this tree,” and gives our brains a much-needed nap. No pressure. No pop-ups.

Nature is basically a one-stop-shop for mental and physical upgrades. Stress? Down. Anxiety? Down. Depression? Down. Mood? Way up. Anger? Pfft, what anger? Plus, it eases symptoms of PTSD, ADHD, and addiction, and gives our cognitive functions a serious glow-up—improving our memory, focus, and creativity! It boosts self-esteem and that elusive thing called productivity. Bonus: people who hang out in green spaces tend to be more social, less cranky, and—wait for it—less likely to commit crimes. Nature: doing public safety better than a neighborhood watch.

On the physical side, it’s the health jackpot. Better sleep, quicker healing, less pain, stronger heart, and yes, it even helps with weight management (especially if your nature outing involves something more than lying in the grass like a contented cat—but hey, no judgment).

Even a slow stroll around the block counts. It helps us be more present and aware, and reminds us that we’re part of something big, beautiful, and wonderfully weird. For those grappling with climate anxiety or grief, nature offers quiet comfort, a place to breathe and just be. And even when life feels stuck in slow-mo, nature gently nudges us toward clarity, motivation, and that all-important feeling of “Ahhh… perspective.”

No matter what your beliefs, time in nature gives us that universal “a-ha!” moment—realizing we’re not just existing in the world, we’re a part of it. And when we feel that, really feel it, we naturally start making better choices—not because we should, but because we want to. We move more because it feels good, we eat better because it gives us energy, and we share that earthy magic with others.

Before long, we’re hugging trees, picking up litter, and marching in climate rallies. Why? Because we’ve realized something simple and profound: when we care for the Earth, we’re also caring for ourselves.

So, go ahead—lace up your hiking boots, grab your sunhat, or just head outside and wave at a squirrel. Your brain (and the planet) will thank you.

Amanda Stemen’s life has always revolved around nature. Currently she works as a licensed eco-therapist (nature-based mental health therapist), as well as volunteers with the Central Group as Chair of its Parks Committee.