• Log in
    NewsVoicesExpertsEat & DrinkTravelogueExclusivesTravel TipsPrint IssueVideo
    ADVOCATEOUTPridePLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
    SubscribeSubscriber ServicesEmail Newsletter Signup
    CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
    © 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
    All Rights reserved
    OutTravelerOutTraveler
    Scroll To Top

    By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.

    Accept

    5 Ways to Recommune With Nature (and Find Your Zen)

    Mey Rude
    | 05/26/21

    5 Ways to Recommune With Nature (and Find Your Zen)

    man in swim trunks

    This article initially ran in Out magazine read the original on Out.com. 

    In the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s good to get some time to yourself to find your own personal nirvana. Now that everyday life is anything but normal and the hustle and bustle are so much more intense, we need those solo escapes more than ever.

    Even if you work from home and feel like you’re always by yourself, finding “me time” is important. Escaping allows you to get out of your head and shake up your routine — two things that are necessary to maintain your mental and physical health during times like these. Now is the time to invest in a good backpack and some comfortable walking shoes, make sure you pack plenty of water, and discover (or maybe rediscover) all sorts of ways you can connect with nature, and yourself, without anyone’s permission. Here are five easy ways to achieve that.

    • SOLO HIKE
    • EXPLORE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
    • FORAGE
    • BEACH MEDITATION
    • NATURE IDENTIFICATION

    SOLO HIKE

    Man on mountain top

    Nothing is quite like finding a trail and going off into nature by yourself. Pack up your backpack with a snack, water, a light jacket, and maybe something like a basic first aid kit, a fire-starter, and a LifeStraw, plus a camera or binoculars. Find a trail in nearby woods or hills in a guidebook, on a map, or using apps, and then experience the most peaceful and beautiful kind of quiet you’ve ever heard in your life.

    EXPLORE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

    Black woman walking in front shop window

    Find new places right around the corner you didn’t know existed by experiencing your neighborhood. “I started taking my dog on long walks around my neighborhood and realized that a little dead-end street led me right to the L.A. River,” says queer artist Molly Ostertag. “I didn’t realize how beautiful it is down there — sure, there’s trash, but there’s so many plants and birds and the sound of running water. I like to go at sunset and watch as the mountains turn pink.” If you don’t live near a river, take a look on an app like Google Maps and search for “historic landmarks” and “tourist attractions” to find somewhere to go that you’ve never been before.

    FORAGE

    Man in forest

    The first step to foraging local edible plants and fungi is to do your research. Look online for foraging groups or people in your city or state. These online groups are full of pictures and tips to help you find out which plants are safe to eat and delicious, and how to safely cook them. Then head off to a wilderness area or park where foraging is allowed and look for the berries, seeds, fungi, and leaves you’ve learned about. (Also be sure to learn the deadly plants to avoid!) After a while you’ll build a mental map of where you can find food.

    BEACH MEDITATION

    Blue haired woman in swimsuit on paddle board

    There’s something healing about standing in the water. Walk to the shore of the ocean, a river, a lake, a creek, or a reservoir near you, take off your shoes, and stand ankle deep. As you take deep breaths, focus on the feeling of the sand beneath your feet, the cool water on your legs, the sun on your face, and the air in your lungs. Just forget everything else and be in the moment.

    NATURE IDENTIFICATION

    Man using telescope in front of lake

    It may seem boring at first to walk around identifying wildlife, but just try it once and you’ll fall in love. You can use the app iNaturalist or the simpler version, Seek! Both are projects of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. All you have to do is take a picture of a living thing in nature and submit it, and the app will automatically try to tell you what it is based on the picture and your location. You can also use the app Merlin Bird ID, which will show you which birds you’re likely to see and hear based on your location and the time of year, and help you identify the ones you do.

    Latest Stories

    Top 10 Most Instagrammable Beaches in the World
    beaches
    Badge
    gallery

    These are the Top 10 Most Instagrammable Beaches in the World

    September 28 2023 5:00 AM
    These 8 European Destinations are Perfect for Fall Colors and Savings
    Europe
    Badge
    gallery

    These 8 European Destinations are Perfect for Fall Colors and Savings

    September 26 2023 4:55 AM
    NoRal Apparel Blatino Oasis Fashion Show
    Fashion
    Badge
    gallery

    13 Sizzling Hot Pics of NoRal Apparel at Blatino Oasis 2023

    September 25 2023 8:30 AM
    Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
    Restaurants
    Badge
    gallery

    Check Out These Delicious Dishes At Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

    September 21 2023 5:30 AM
    Six Road Trips Perfect for Fall Colors
    Road Trips
    Badge
    gallery

    6 Great American Road Trips Perfect for Fall Colors

    September 18 2023 9:02 AM
    Kevin Aviance DJs Launch of Zcrave’s New F3TISH Collection
    Fashion
    Badge
    gallery

    Kevin Aviance DJs Launch of Zcrave’s New F3TISH Collection

    September 15 2023 4:20 PM
    Here’s Why So Many Visitors Yearn to Stay on This Secret Island
    Caribbean
    Badge
    gallery

    Here’s Why So Many Visitors Yearn to Stay on This Secret Caribbean Island

    September 15 2023 9:21 AM
    Lisa Rinna Does PTown
    Provincetown
    Badge
    gallery

    Lisa Rinna Does PTown

    September 03 2023 2:18 PM
    Visit Datça, the Turkish Village Forgotten by Time
    Europe
    Badge
    gallery

    Visit This Turkish Village Forgotten by Time

    September 02 2023 11:30 AM
    55+ Pics of Provincetown Carnival 2023
    Provincetown
    Badge
    gallery

    55+ Pics of Provincetown Carnival 2023

    September 01 2023 7:50 AM
    Southern Decadence in New Orleans
    Non-topics
    Badge
    gallery

    Southern Decadence 2023: 5 Things to Know Before You Go

    August 31 2023 4:07 PM
    Top 5 Must-Have Items From Roam Luggage
    Travel Gear
    Badge
    gallery

    Our Top 5 Must-Have Pieces From Roam Luggage

    August 30 2023 5:45 PM
    Out Travelers Michael and Matt Share Their Secrets for Berkeley
    Travel Tips
    Badge
    gallery

    Out Travelers Michael and Matt Share Their Secrets for Berkeley

    August 28 2023 5:12 PM
    Disneyland teases menu for new Tiana's Palace restaurant
    Food
    Badge
    gallery

    Disneyland Teases New Tiana’s Palace Menu

    August 27 2023 12:53 PM
    Travel Tips: A Guide to ETIAS and Europe’s City Taxes
    Travel Tips
    Badge
    gallery

    ETIAS Tax Guide 101: Everything You Need to Know About ETIAS and Europe’s City Taxes

    August 25 2023 4:16 PM
    Fun Factory Celebrates 40th Anniversary with One Day Only 40% Off Sale
    Travel Gear
    Badge
    gallery

    Fun Factory Celebrates 40th Anniversary with One Day Sale

    August 11 2023 4:40 PM
    Discover this Forgotten Aegean Coastline – By Boat
    Turkey
    Badge
    gallery

    Discover this Forgotten Aegean Coastline – By Boat

    August 07 2023 9:04 AM
    Discover this Hidden Gem of the Spanish Mediterranean
    Spain
    Badge
    gallery

    Discover this Hidden Gem of the Spanish Mediterranean

    August 05 2023 10:20 AM
    7 Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Italy's Cinque Terre
    Travel Tips
    Badge
    gallery

    7 Secrets to Unlocking the Best of Italy's Cinque Terre

    August 04 2023 8:57 AM
    Exploring Berlin: A Guide to Germany’s LGBTQ+ Capital
    Travel Guides
    Badge
    gallery

    Exploring Berlin: A Guide to Germany’s LGBTQ+ Capital

    August 02 2023 8:53 AM

    Trending stories

    Fat Bear Week Is Cancelled If the Government Shuts Down

    Set Your Sails to the 'One Piece'

    Roger Ross Williams Talks Crafting Gay Wrestling Biopic 'Cassandro'

    Weatherman Erick Adame Opens Up About Exposing Himself Online, His Firing, and His Future

    Gay Weatherman Erick Adame Reveals If He'll Join OnlyFans

    Friday's Top Stories: Dianne Feinstein Death, Biden Impeachment, Government Shutdown

    Transphobia Runs Amok at Second Republican Presidential Debate

    Who Will Replace Dianne Feinstein? What the Democrat's Death Means For Biden

    DRUK's Vicki Vivacious & Michael Marouli On Being Besties Before The Show

    10 LGBTQ+ Movies Coming Out This Fall/Winter We're Excited AF For

    Millions of Families Will Lose Child Care Thanks to Republican Stonewalling

    Meet Two Amazing Activists Speaking Up About Black Women and HIV

    A Chat with Torrian Baskerville on Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

    Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate, Dies at 90

    Jwan Yosef Shares Abs-olutely Steamy Pics From 'Butt' Magazine Photoshoot

    Ghana's Newest Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Sparks Protests

    Taylor Dayne Talks Friendship With RuPaul & Her Love For The Gays

    Nancy Pelosi Makes Surprise Visit to DC’s Little Gay Pub in Tribute to LGBTQ+ Community

    Gus Kenworthy Shows Off His Hairy Shirtless Chest in Steamy New Insta Post

    Biden Administration Looks to Protect LGBTQ+ Foster Kids With New Rule

    30 Leather Clad Photos From Folsom Street Fair 2023 That Have Us Tied Up In Knots

    STI Rates, Including HIV, Could Spike Due to Medicaid Cuts

    20 Steamy Pics of 2023 Mister International Winner Kim Goodburn

    Arrests Follow HIV Funding Protest at Speaker McCarthy's Office

    Grubhub and Uber Eats Drivers Win Minimum Wage Battle in New York City

    Most Recent

    'Love Island' Star Mitchel Taylor Responds to Claims That He's Homophobic

    Kim Petras Slays In Demonic Drag As 'Bi Dom Top' Named Hans

    Grubhub and Uber Eats Drivers Win Minimum Wage Battle in New York City

    Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson Mix Art and Crime in Gay Director Nicol Paone's 'Kill Room'

    Homophobe Matt Gaetz Seeks Democratic Alliance to Oust McCarthy Amid Shutdown Drama: Report

    DACA Immigration Policy Ruled Unlawful, But Allowed to Continue

    Travis Scott Investigated For Assault and $12,000 in Property Damage

    How to Honor Senior Survivors of HIV

    New 'Drag Race' Host Is a Legendary Activist Living With HIV

    'Naked Attraction' Dating Show With Full-Frontal Scenes Is Now On Max

    Fat Bear Week Is Cancelled If the Government Shuts Down

    Fans Think An 11th Queen Has Been Edited Out Of Drag Race UK Season 5

    25 Hot Pics of Out Champion Diver Bryden Hattie

    Canada Has Some of the Highest Mpox Rates in the World

    Millions of Families Will Lose Child Care Thanks to Republican Stonewalling

    Equality Democrats Blast Republicans' Bigoted Amendments in Funding Bills

    Dianne Feinstein: An LGBTQ+ Rights Champion

    George W. Bush Calls Out Republicans Trying to End HIV Program PEPFAR

    How a Federal Government Shutdown Will and Won't Affect You

    HIV Warrior Ronnie Grace Battling Stage 4 Cancer

    Anderson Cooper Says His Mother Offered to Be His Surrogate

    Tony Morrison's Series 'Truth Be Told' Stars More LGBTQ+ Shapeshifters

    Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things Actor, Says She's Turning Down Roles Over Sexual Harassment

    Dr. Randa Jaafar on Her New Practice & Helping Women Feel Their Best

    Recommended Stories for You

    'Love Island' Star Mitchel Taylor Responds to Claims That He's Homophobic

    Kim Petras Slays In Demonic Drag As 'Bi Dom Top' Named Hans

    Grubhub and Uber Eats Drivers Win Minimum Wage Battle in New York City

    Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson Mix Art and Crime in Gay Director Nicol Paone's 'Kill Room'

    Homophobe Matt Gaetz Seeks Democratic Alliance to Oust McCarthy Amid Shutdown Drama: Report

    DACA Immigration Policy Ruled Unlawful, But Allowed to Continue

    Travis Scott Investigated For Assault and $12,000 in Property Damage

    How to Honor Senior Survivors of HIV

    New 'Drag Race' Host Is a Legendary Activist Living With HIV

    'Naked Attraction' Dating Show With Full-Frontal Scenes Is Now On Max

    Fat Bear Week Is Cancelled If the Government Shuts Down

    Fans Think An 11th Queen Has Been Edited Out Of Drag Race UK Season 5

    25 Hot Pics of Out Champion Diver Bryden Hattie

    Canada Has Some of the Highest Mpox Rates in the World

    Millions of Families Will Lose Child Care Thanks to Republican Stonewalling

    Equality Democrats Blast Republicans' Bigoted Amendments in Funding Bills

    Dianne Feinstein: An LGBTQ+ Rights Champion

    George W. Bush Calls Out Republicans Trying to End HIV Program PEPFAR

    How a Federal Government Shutdown Will and Won't Affect You

    HIV Warrior Ronnie Grace Battling Stage 4 Cancer

    Anderson Cooper Says His Mother Offered to Be His Surrogate

    Tony Morrison's Series 'Truth Be Told' Stars More LGBTQ+ Shapeshifters

    Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things Actor, Says She's Turning Down Roles Over Sexual Harassment

    Dr. Randa Jaafar on Her New Practice & Helping Women Feel Their Best