Plugging Into Nature: Why Your Soul Needs the Outdoors
Andrea Lahoud, MA, LMHC
I can still remember my very first hike. I must have been about eight or nine years old, trekking through the mountains of South Carolina. The memory is fragmented now, but a few things stand out: the thrill of uneven terrain, the challenge of pulling myself up steep paths with the help of tree branches, and the sense of adventure that filled the air.
That childlike wonder never left me. Even now, as an adult, I love hiking for its physical challenge, breathtaking views, and the simple joy of adventure. But there’s something deeper that keeps calling me back: hiking connects my soul to the Creator.
When I’m in the mountains or even just sitting quietly under a tree, I feel like a dead battery being plugged back into its power source. The trees, the sky, the earth beneath me all remind me of who I am and where I come from. In those moments, I’m recharged. Filled with vitality. Grounded in hope. Open to inspiration. Overwhelmed with awe.
And it’s not just my experience — science backs it up. Research shows that spending time in nature boosts mood, lowers stress, and even improves cognitive functioning (Weir, 2020). Whether it’s a quiet walk in your neighborhood park, a day at the beach, or a weekend in a national park, nature offers something our bodies and souls desperately crave: rest and restoration.
As a therapist, I believe healing is holistic. The therapy room can be powerful for self‑discovery and emotional processing, but nature offers a kind of embodied healing that no four walls can replicate. The wind, the sunlight, the sounds of creation — they all invite us into wholeness in ways that complement the work we do in therapy. That’s why seeking out both is so important: therapy for the inner world, and nature for the outer reminder that we are part of something greater.
So, take this as your gentle reminder to unplug from the noise and plug into Mother Earth. Lace up your sneakers, step outside, and let the world God created breathe life back into your soul.
Because sometimes, the simplest act of standing among the trees can remind you that you are alive, connected, and exactly where you need to be.
APA Reference
Weir, K. (2020, April). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
