How to Add More Nature to Your Busy Day
No time for outdoor adventures? You don’t need one! Here’s how to add more nature to your day without changing your schedule.
Nature Time? Who Has Time for That?!
If you’re like most parents, your schedule is already packed. Between work, school runs, meal prep, and an ever-growing to-do list, finding extra time for nature might seem impossible.
But here’s the secret: You don’t need more time—you just need a shift in mindset.
Adding nature to your day doesn’t mean scheduling a big hiking trip or setting aside an hour for outdoor play. It can be as simple as drinking your morning coffee outside or taking the long way home through a tree-lined street.
The truth is, small moments in nature add up. And the best part? You don’t have to change your schedule at all. Let’s dive into easy, realistic ways to weave nature into your daily routine—without stress or extra effort.
Why Even Small Moments in Nature Matter
Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about why this even matters.
We know that spending time outside is great for kids. But did you know that even tiny moments in nature can have a huge impact?
- Reduces stress and boosts mood (for both kids and adults!)
- Helps with focus – especially helpful before school or work
- Encourages creativity and problem-solving skills
- Supports better sleep (sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles)
- Strengthens family bonds—some of the best conversations happen outside!
And the best part? You don’t have to carve out extra time to get these benefits. Just a few tweaks to your daily routine can help you and your family enjoy more nature—effortlessly.
5 Super Easy Ways to Add Nature to Your Day
1. Start Your Morning Outside
Mornings are usually chaotic, but adding even a few minutes outside can set the tone for the whole day.
- Drink your coffee or tea outside (even if it’s just on the front step).
- Walk the dog (or just yourself) instead of scrolling your phone first thing.
- Open a window while getting ready to let in fresh air and natural light.
Bonus: Natural light in the morning helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier for everyone to wake up and fall asleep at night!
2. Turn Everyday Errands Into Outdoor Time
You don’t need to schedule a special “nature outing” to get outside—just tweak what you’re already doing.
- Park farther away at the grocery store so you get a mini walk.
- Walk to school if it’s close enough (or park a few blocks away).
- Take the long way to the mailbox and notice what’s growing outside.
Tip: Try “noticing games” with your kids while walking—“How many birds can we hear?” or “Can you find something yellow?”
3. Make Mealtime an Outdoor Experience
Eating outside doesn’t have to be a big picnic event—it can be as simple as bringing your plate to the porch or letting kids snack in the backyard.
- Morning: Have breakfast outside on nice days.
- Lunch: Let kids eat their school lunch outside if possible.
- Dinner: Move family meals outdoors when the weather’s nice!
Fun Idea: Try a “Friday Night Picnic” tradition—just put a blanket on the ground and eat in the yard, no extra prep required!
4. Swap Screen Time for Green Time
We all know screens take up a big chunk of our day, but what if we replaced even 10% of that time with nature?
- Move phone calls outside (take a work call on a short walk!).
- Read bedtime stories outside instead of on the couch.
- Listen to music or podcasts outside instead of inside.
Challenge: Try a “green time swap”—for every 30 minutes of screen time, add 10 minutes outside.
5. Unwind Outdoors Instead of on the Couch
After a long day, it’s tempting to just crash on the couch. But stepping outside for even 5 minutes can help you unwind way better than Netflix.
- Watch the sunset together.
- Light a backyard fire pit and chat.
- Do some light stretching outside before bed.
Fun Idea: Try a “Star Spotting Night”—once a month, take a blanket outside and look at the stars together.
No Extra Time, Just More Nature
See? Adding nature into your day doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to plan big outdoor adventures or carve out extra time. Just look for small ways to connect with nature in the moments you already have.
The more you do it, the more natural (and refreshing!) it will feel. And your kids? They’ll start craving it too.
Make Nature Part of Your Day—Starting Now!
Want more easy, stress-free ways to get outside? My book, Natural Escapes, is packed with practical ideas to help your family weave nature into everyday life—even when you’re busy! Get your copy today and start enjoying more nature—without changing your schedule.
Related Posts
- The Outdoor Parent’s Starter Kit
- How to Make Outdoor Time a Habit
- The Hidden Benefits of Outdoor Play
Want to make outdoor time a natural part of your family’s life? Check out Getting Started in the Outdoors – your go-to guide for building a nature-rich routine, finding the best outdoor activities, and planning stress-free adventures.
