In today’s fast-paced and digitally saturated world, the great outdoors offers a refreshing, grounding escape. Whether it’s a brisk walk through a city park, a countryside hike, or a bitterly cold wild swim, immersing ourselves in nature has a profound impact on our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Whether you’re doing it solo or with a group, time spent outdoors can be transformative. In this article, we explore the powerful benefits of spending time in nature and why it remains a fundamental pillar of our retreats and adventures.

1. Nature as a Stress Reliever

Ongoing low-level stress is an all-too-common part of modern life. Studies reveal that spending even a short time in natural settings can significantly reduce stress levels, with outdoor activities lowering cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. When we step into nature, away from the notifications, schedules, and routines, we experience a shift. Surrounded by greenery, expansive skies, or the calming rhythm of the ocean’s waves (if we're lucky enough to find ourselves by the sea!) our bodies and minds find a rare chance to pause and breathe deeply. 

2. Boost Your Mood and Mental Health

Nature has an incredible ability to lift our spirits. Research shows that time outdoors, especially in green spaces, can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, helping us feel more connected and fulfilled. Just being in nature releases endorphins that naturally enhance our mood and create a sense of joy and contentment.

Think about how you feel when you travel - whether it’s standing by the ocean, reaching the top of a mountain, or simply walking through a quiet forest. Each setting invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and take in the vastness around us, creating a positive shift in our mindset. For solo travellers, especially, the beauty of these natural spaces can become a grounding companion, offering quiet moments for reflection and a chance to reconnect.

And when you share these experiences with a group, that sense of calm and connection expands significantly. Being surrounded by others who also appreciate the healing power of nature creates a unique, supportive energy that’s hard to replicate.

3. The Power of Physical Activity in Nature

Nature isn’t just great for the mind; it’s a powerful tool to energise the body. Outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring new places not only contribute to cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance, but they also help improve flexibility, balance, and overall physical resilience. The benefits of being active outdoors are multiplied thanks to the natural stimuli that nature provides. Moving through natural environments - such as a steep climb on a hike, rough terrain whilst out on a run, or strolling along a sandy beach - encourages our bodies to engage in ways we rarely do indoors.

But beyond the physical benefits, these activities expose us to two of the most powerful (and free!) wellbeing tools at our disposal: fresh air and sunlight, both of which support our immune systems and boost our mood. 

4. The Perfect Social Setting

If you’ve ever joined a More Life Adventures retreat or event, you’ll be familiar with how we choose locations that prioritise calm and relaxation - think quiet beaches or peaceful forests. They are places where people can truly unwind, leave behind the usual rush, and reconnect with themselves.

Aside from being immersed in nature, a key aspect of our retreats and adventures is the focus on bringing like-minded people together. There are so many incredible things about being in nature, but when you can share those experiences with others, it multiplies the magic of the natural world. Yes, experiencing them alone is still powerful and liberating, but the beauty of doing so with others feeds our social needs and is proven to be good for our wellbeing: sharing adventures builds genuine connections, which according to a Harvard research study is the greatest predictor of happiness and wellbeing.

The natural settings chosen for our trips - from the heights of Mount Snowdon in Wales to the crystal-clear waters of Greece - are perfect environments for experiencing the beauty of the outdoors together. Each location offers unique opportunities for shared adventure, from the camaraderie of tackling a mountain hike as a group to the peacefulness of swimming in blue seas alongside like-minded travellers. These shared experiences deepen connections, creating a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.

5. Resilience and Confidence

It might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about being in nature, but spending time outdoors can build resilience and confidence. Nature is unpredictable, and in reponse, you have to adapt. It might be a steep hike or an unexpected rainstorm, but each challenge you’re faced with will only add to your personal growth. And personal growth is key to our wellbeing; without it, we can experience feeling stuck which can then create an unhealthy cycle of low mood and low motivation. So facing unexpected challenges, particularly when we’re battling the elements, teaches us to adapt, persevere, and face said challenges head-on. 

6. Enhancing Creativity and Focus

Did you know that tapping into our creative energy can improve brain function as well as both mental and physical health? And what better way to allow our creativity to flow, than by stepping away from our screens and immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds and textures of the natural world. Nature is a powerful antidote to any creative blocks and mental fatigue; it allows the mind to reset - a mental decluttering of sorts - so that you feel refreshed and inspired.

7. Practising Being Present 

In nature, time seems to slow down, giving us a rare chance to breathe deeply and tune into the present moment. When we allow ourselves to, we become more attuned to our senses - things like the gentle rustling of leaves or the warmth of sunlight on our skin. These details are subtle, but they’re also grounding, reminding us that we are part of the natural world and its beauty. . It’s only by being truly present that we can fully experience them. For those new to mindfulness, the natural world is an ideal setting to practise being present. 

One study found that nature played a key role in supporting mindfulness and self-regulation, creating a feeling of being removed from everyday life and fully immersed in nature. This sense of ‘being away’ allowed participants to connect more deeply with themselves, others, and the world around them. Plus, engaging with nature magnified their mindfulness skills, leading to positive outcomes such as increased happiness, calm, energy, and heightened self-awareness. These experiences also encouraged the development of self-compassion and an overall sense of wellbeing - physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually—both during and after the experience.

Why time in nature is the foundation of all our Retreats  

At the heart of our mission lies a deep respect for nature and its impact on wellbeing. Our retreats, whether in blissful corners of the UK or overseas destinations, are designed to give individuals the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and others in meaningful ways. By making nature an integral part of each journey, we know how much it contributes not only to personal growth but also to a lasting appreciation for the world around us.

In nature, we find healing, adventure, and a sense of belonging. It’s more than a backdrop; it’s an essential part of our wellbeing. So with that, we invite you to turn off the screen, step outside, breathe deeply, and experience the transformative power of nature.