Life moves fast — we scroll, work, and worry nonstop. Nature offers a pause button, but many don’t know how to slow down and be present. Journaling outdoors is one of the most overlooked self-care rituals.

What if your next breakthrough moment wasn’t in a therapist’s office or on your phone — but in a hammock, under the trees, with a pen in hand?

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The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling in Nature

• Reduces cortisol levels and calms the nervous system
  
  
• Boosts creativity and mindfulness
  
  
• Combines grounding (nature) with emotional processing (journaling)
  
  

How to Create Your Outdoor Self-Care Ritual

Being between the same 4 walls of your room isn’t going to clear your mind— especially if you suffer from anxiety. 

• Tips & Tricks Dealing with Anxiety Blog Post

I’m going to show you how I started this journey to a clearer mind and reconnecting with nature.

Step 1: Find Your Spot

• Backyard, balcony, park, or trail — you don’t need a forest
  
  
• Choose somewhere with shade, quiet, and a little privacy
  
  

Step 2: Bring Your Tools

• A simple notebook or your favorite journal
  
  
• Pen, water bottle, sun hat, and your phone on airplane mode
  
  
• Your free printable self-care planner
  
  

Step 3: Relax with Purpose

Don’t just sit—settle. Let your body rest.

Then write about:

• You’re grateful for
• What’s weighing on your heart
• What you want to release

My Favorite Outdoor Must-Have: The Hammock That Changed My Summer

I don’t believe there‘s a better feeling than swinging in the hammock in my backyard, with a cold drink and my journal in front of me. 

I’ve never been able to connect with nature well— until I made my outdoor space more inviting, cozy, and consistent. Now that’s it’s a part of my routine, I couldn’t imagine life without it. 

Want your own portable sanctuary?

This lightweight, comfy Amazon hammock is under $30 and takes 2 minutes to set up.

I bring it everywhere — it’s like a therapy couch that swings. 4.5 star rating with 1k+ purchases the last month!

See for Yourself Below on Amazon:

Download Your Free Self-Care Planner

I’ve curated the best self care planner for mindfulness and self care— & I’m sending it out FREE! 

Includes: 

• Daily check ins 
• Monthly check ins 
• Gratitude list 
• Mood tracker 
• Nutritional tracker
• Meditation journal

Perfect to bring with you to organize your thoughts and set intentions for when you go to your cozy place. 

Reconnecting with Yourself Is Closer Than You Think

I encourage anyone reading this to absolutely romanticize slowing down and practicing mindfulness (through journaling!). I challenge you to start putting you first! 

I didn’t need a retreat or a vacation. All I needed was a quiet spot, a hammock, and my thoughts.