Spending time in nature doesn't always lead to feeling connected with it.

Simple research-backed practices can deepen your connection with nature.

Feeling connected with nature benefits both well-being and environmental care.

For me, it can be as simple as standing in a river.

The current winds past fallen trees and rocks before flowing around my legs. The cool water tingles against my skin. I hear the river's steady gurgling in every direction. Then, if I can make the connection—and this is a big if—I realize I am not just standing in nature. I am part of it.

Research shows that spending time in nature nourishes our health and well-being and promotes prosocial behavior in many ways. But, just like a distracted student in class may not necessarily benefit as much as an engaged student, simply being in nature doesn’t necessarily mean we feel connected.

Psychologists use the term nature connectedness to describe feeling close to the natural world. Maybe you have times when you’ve really felt this connection—when you noticed dramatic clouds change shape and color as the sun sets, or looked up to find a sky full of stars, or crossed paths with a majestic animal you rarely see.

If you’ve had this experience, what was the difference for you between spending time in nature and truly connecting with it?

Some people find nature connectedness more difficult than others. More people live in cities where natural beauty seems scarce. We’re too busy to immerse ourselves in ways we might want. External distractions like technology—or........

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