Want to connect more deeply with the outdoors? Keep a nature journal! 🍀 🖋️

Picture this: you've been feeling stressed lately, and remember that you enjoy hiking and being in contact with nature to relieve your stress. You're always able to unwind around nature but now you're looking for ways to grow a deeper connection with nature. A friend suggests keeping a nature journal.

Photo by Joonas Sild on Unsplash

You immediately think:

• "I'm too busy for that."

• "I don't know how to do it."

• "I don't know how to get started."

It's easier than you think.

Follow these guidelines and you'll be able to do it in no time!

Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash

A nature journal documents natural objects using three things; words, pictures, and numbers.

So in practical terms, you need:

• a journal

• pencils

• a ruler

 You can get a nice notebook of your choosing or create one, like in this video:

To hear an audio description of the information in the video, click play on the audio player below:

Things to keep in mind:

• The journal should be lightweight, medium size, and easy to carry in your backpack

• The best kit contains pencil colors to represent nature better. Some people use watercolors

• The ruler helps you measure the things that you find.

Photo by Daria Tumanova on Unsplash

1. Bring a notebook and art supplies to nature and pick an object of your interest.

2. Start observing the object. Let's imagine you choose a clover flower. Have a closer look at it, and start drawing the stem or the petals. As you draw, you start noticing more things. Maybe the way the petals are attached?

Photo by Dustin Humes on Unsplash

3. A question might spark in your mind, "How old is this clover flower"? and you write it down. Maybe you add an estimation: "I found about 80 clover flowers on this spot. Or maybe it sparks a memory: "This flower reminds me of my childhood walk to school." You do this using words and numbers next to the picture.

4. Start connecting in a deeper way to nature. The process makes you more aware of what's happening around you. Using words and pictures will help you remember this experience afterward.

Find two examples of a person doing nature journaling below (courtesy of Duke Forest):

Photo by Finde Zukunft on Unsplash

Some people use their journals for reflection. Using prompts, you can connect past experiences with new ones, notice similarities and differences, and explore your feelings about nature.

Some examples are:

• How do you feel in this place?

• What do you feel connected to? How does it make you feel?

• Who else is in this space? Think about all kinds of animal phenomena.

I'm 56 years old? Yes, nature journaling is fit for all ages, from children to grown-ups.

I can't sketch? Sure, your drawing doesn't need to be artistic! It's about useful depictions. You can also use diagrams or charts.

If I'm a beginner? All of us are beginners at one point. It's about practicing and being consistent. Follow some blogs if you need inspiration.

If I have a broken leg? Don't worry! If you can't leave the house for any reason, just look for images in places like Volunteer Photography Corps and start drawing.