Have you ever felt as if you’re overstimulated by the sights, sounds, and everything else
you’re experiencing with your senses around you? It’s a lot. It can be stressful even for
adults. Now imagine what it’s like to be a kid, especially one who might be neurodiverse
or have different mental-emotional needs than your peers. For these kids, such
challenges may be magnified, making it hard to function.
This is why nature can be so helpful for kids who are prone to overstimulation.
Research and personal experiences have consistently shown that spending time
outdoors in natural settings can have profound effects on mental health, particularly for
those dealing with anxiety and sensory overload.
Whether it’s the calming rustle of leaves, the soothing sound of a flowing stream, or the
rhythmic crash of ocean waves, nature provides a refuge that can help restore balance
and promote well-being.
Why Nature Helps Ease Anxiety and Overstimulation
There are three main reasons the outdoors can help with overstimulation.
1. It gives you a multisensory reset: Modern environments—characterized by bright
screens, persistent notifications, and electronic noise—can overwhelm the senses.
Nature, in contrast, offers a gentler sensory palette. The tranquility of the woods, the
coolness of grass, and the chirping of birds engage our senses in a way that’s calming
instead of stressful. For neurodiverse individuals, this sensory reset can be especially
beneficial. The natural world provides predictable, soothing stimuli that allow the brain to
decompress. Unlike the unpredictability of indoor life, the sensory elements of nature
are non-threatening and restorative.
2. Nature lowers your stress levels: Numerous studies have shown that spending
time in green spaces lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Even a
short walk in the park can decrease feelings of anxiety and improve focus. A 2020 study
published in Frontiers in Psychology found that individuals who spent at least 20
minutes in a natural environment experienced significant reductions in stress levels.
This "nature therapy" can be an effective and accessible tool for managing anxiety,
especially for those who struggle with traditional coping mechanisms.
3. Being “away from it all” promotes mindfulness: One of the greatest benefits of
being in nature is its ability to ground us in the present moment. Walking along a trail,
feeling the sun on your face, or listening to the rustle of leaves forces us to focus on the
here and now. This practice of mindfulness—being fully present and aware—has been
shown to reduce anxiety by interrupting the cycle of racing thoughts.
For individuals who are neurodiverse, mindfulness can be particularly transformative.
Nature provides a built-in structure for mindfulness practices, helping to center attention
and calm the nervous system.
How to Integrate Nature into Everyday Life
You don’t need to live near a national park or spend hours outside to reap the benefits
of nature. Here are some simple ways to incorporate outdoor time into your routine:
1. Take a Sensory Walk: Whether it’s in a neighborhood park or a nearby trail, take
a moment to focus on your senses—what do you see, hear, smell, and feel?
2. Start a Garden: Even tending to a small collection of plants on a balcony can
create a connection to nature.
3. Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate plants, natural light, and nature sounds into
your living or workspaces to create a calming atmosphere.
4. Engage in Outdoor Hobbies: Activities like birdwatching, biking, or even yoga
in the park can combine physical exercise with the healing benefits of nature.
5. Schedule Screen-Free Outdoor Time: Set aside specific times to unplug and
simply be outside, even if it’s just sitting on a bench and watching the world go by.
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