Rewild Your Mind: Can Nature Help Ease Modern Stress?

Mindfulness in Nature

Source: Spencer Wirkkala / Dupe / Used with permission

Mental health challenges are becoming a defining issue of our time, with over 280 million people globally affected by depression (World Health Organization, 2023). In the United States, incidence of major depressive disorder has risen significantly over the past 25 years, now affecting over 20% of the population (Coventry et al., 2021). These statistics tell a sobering story, but they also invite us to explore new, or perhaps ancient, solutions. One of the most accessible remedies may lie just outside our doors—in nature. In my ongoing work in human rewilding, I’ve come to understand how profoundly disconnected many of us are from not only natural environments but also from our relationship with "the wild things," including our own inner natures. Rewilding isn’t just about returning to the wild; it’s about rediscovering parts of ourselves that modern life has muted.

How Nature Heals the Mind

Spending time in nature doesn’t just feel good; it’s backed by science. Research shows that natural environments can significantly impact physiological systems associated with stress regulation and immune function. For example, spending time in forest environments has been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for immune defense, while also reducing stress markers like cortisol (Tsao et al., 2018). These effects suggest that forest exposure supports both physical and mental well-being, potentially influencing the oxytocinergic system, which fosters feelings of connection and reduces inflammation. While the exact mechanisms linking these systems remain a topic of active study, the benefits of immersing oneself in nature are clear.

Beyond these physiological benefits, nature also gives our minds a break from the constant demands of digital life, creating space for reflection, emotional regulation, and creativity.

Human rewilding builds on these principles, encouraging us to reconnect with nature not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. By engaging deeply with the outdoors, we restore a sense of harmony that helps counteract the pressures of contemporary lifestyles.

Outdoor Sports vs. Nature-Based Therapies

Many of us already connect with nature through activities like mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or skiing. These outdoor sports combine physical activity and natural immersion, releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. They’re invigorating, energizing, and incredibly beneficial. But it's important to recognize other slower, more reflective approaches that are also good for us. Practices like forest bathing, mindfulness in nature, or therapeutic gardening prioritize stillness, sensory awareness, and deep engagement with the environment. These intentional activities can help us reconnect with our “inner wild,” a term I use to describe the parts of ourselves we can reawaken through deliberate intention and practice. While outdoor sports and nature-based therapies both provide mental health benefits, they work in slightly different ways. Sports may energize and excite, while therapies promote serenity and self-awareness. Both are valuable tools, and the choice depends on your personal goals and needs.

Women sitting near tree in the park

Source: Ajaila Walker / Dupe / Used with permission

A Call to Rewild

Rewilding isn’t just for conservationists; it’s a concept that can be applied to ourselves. Just as we can restore a wetland or prairie, we can also restore our interior landscapes—the parts of ourselves that have become de-natured, including our imaginations. Through rewilding, we can tackle the stressors of modern life and rediscover the joy, creativity, and balance that come through developing relationships with the natural world.

You don’t need to plan a wilderness expedition to begin rewilding. Start small: Take a walk through a local park and become more aware of your surroundings. Perhaps there is a tree that always feels inviting. Make the time to sit near or beneath it. Put away your smartphone and be fully present. Pay attention to how being close to the tree makes you feel. Take the time to touch the bark. Inhale the scent of the tree. Develop a relationship. The great outdoors is more than a backdrop; it’s a partner capable of supporting our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By embracing human rewilding, we reclaim our personal well-being and strengthen our connection to the planet that sustains us.

What’s one way you will “rewild” your life this week?