Ways to Rejuvenate Your Mental Health Through Nature in 2025

Overcoming the post-Christmas slump can be challenging, and it seems that some of the resolutions made for 2025 have already fallen by the wayside.

Spending time in nature can serve as a rejuvenating reset for your mental well-being, and it requires only a small amount of effort.

“I always just enjoy getting out and looking at nature’s beauty, and I find that to be a great way to reset and get a fresh perspective on the day the year, whatever might be going on. I think it is great opportunity, and I think there are a lot of mental health benefits and physical health benefits to probably disconnecting and getting out and hiking,” said Dave Whittekiend, supervisor of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

"Plus, it doesn't need to be anything drastic. Even a simple walk can hold significance. There's real worth in that."

Spanning over two million acres, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache forested landscape is nestled comfortably along the Wasatch Front and southwestern Wyoming, presenting a wealth of opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature.

The forest attracts approximately five million visitors annually. According to Whittekiend, it ranks among the top five most frequented locations in the country, sometimes surpassing even national parks in terms of visitor numbers.

He mentioned that Bells Canyon, for instance, provides an accessible option for hiking in the region and is popular among both Utah locals and visitors from elsewhere. This Sandy destination allows individuals to enjoy the beauty of a lake and waterfalls.

Sarah Dillin regularly visits Bells Canyon to hike with her 3-year-old daughter, Khepri, each week.

"I typically let her take the lead. Whenever I suggest, 'How about we go this way?' she often disagrees. So, I usually follow her lead; it allows her to feel more in control and makes the experience enjoyable for her."

For Dillin, spending time outdoors offers her an opportunity for meditation and self-reflection. She was once part of a hiking group for mothers, but eventually chose to pursue her own path. As the temperatures rise, she plans to increase her hiking frequency, yet she remains dedicated to exploring at least once or twice a week.

The Green Mountain Club offers several tips for mothers to embrace as they explore nature with their children.

The Rattlesnake Loop in Millcreek Canyon offers a straightforward hiking experience. Given the current season, you may encounter muddy conditions, so the forest supervisor has advised hikers to come prepared.

In 2025, The Nature Conservancy suggests several straightforward methods to rejuvenate your mental well-being. This organization manages the largest expanse of untouched land in eastern Davis County, encompassing 4,400 acres dedicated to the preservation of wetlands and the safeguarding of uplands along the shores of the Great Salt Lake.

“Being in nature enhances our happiness, health, and safety,” remarked Andrea Nelson, the director of the Wings and Water initiative at the preserve, which aims to educate fourth graders about the natural world. What tips does she have for finding balance again?

Return to something you did as a child. Perhaps you have a bike in the garage that is collecting dust. Add air to the tires, put on a helmet and ride around your neighborhood. Maybe you used to run a few miles a week before you started a new job, and you got out of your running routine. Now could be a great time to rebuild that habit that made you feel so good.

Sit on a park bench or your front porch and observe nature using all five senses. What do you hear, smell, feel? You can download I-Naturalist to record what you see and learn more.

Visit the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve. Check out unique winter formations called Microbialites. The Utah Geological Survey has this to say: “Microbialites have been forming on Earth for billions of years and can be found worldwide in the fossil record.” It goes on to add: “If you would like to see these amazing microbialite structures firsthand (without having to swim in 10 feet of water), Bridger Bay on Antelope Island offers the most convenient location. We ask that visitors DO NOT walk on these delicate structures. They easily break apart under the weight of a person, and what took hundreds of years to build can be ruined with one errant step.”

Birding can become an incredible way to spend time in nature. You can start small by spreading seed across your patio table and watch for visitors. There are different apps that help you identify birds and bird songs as well as create a list of species you’d like to search for that are prevalent in your area.

Incorporate simple art projects in nature. Grab a pad and colored pencils or a watercolor set before heading to a park or preserve and create on paper what you see in nature. You can download the Merlin App by Cornell to record the birds that stop by to eat, then identify what species they are.