In our busy modern lives, it’s all too common to feel disconnected from the natural world. Endless meetings, desk-bound workdays, and constant screens often leave little opportunity to step outside and breathe in fresh air—despite the well-documented benefits of spending time in nature for our mental and physical health.
Like many, I seldom take the time to truly engage with the outdoors. While I do visit the gym regularly and occasionally run outdoors, I rarely pause to appreciate the environment around me.
That’s why I was intrigued when Sir David Attenborough recently shared a simple yet impactful piece of advice for those looking to reconnect with nature. In a 2021 episode of the podcast Call Of The Wild, the celebrated broadcaster and naturalist—who turned 99 this year—offered a straightforward practice anyone can try.
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“Sit down. Don’t move,” he advised. “Keep quiet. Wait ten minutes. You’ll be very surprised if something pretty interesting didn’t happen. Doing that in a woodland, if you haven’t done it, it’s extraordinary. Don’t get too impatient, either.”
Scientific research supports this approach. A 2020 study from Cornell University revealed that spending as little as ten minutes daily in a natural setting significantly reduced physical and mental stress among students. Associate Professor Gen Meredith emphasized that even those with packed schedules can carve out this brief window to experience nature’s benefits.
Further insights come from Professor Heather Eliassen of Harvard University, who has linked exposure to green spaces with improved sleep quality, lower blood pressure, and decreased risks of chronic diseases. She also points out emerging evidence that time spent in nature correlates with lower overall mortality rates.
Inspired by this advice, I committed to spending ten quiet minutes outside each day. While I don’t have access to a forest, my garden provided a peaceful backdrop. I found joy in simple activities—cloud watching, counting birds, and listening to the distant sounds of children playing. On colder days, the tranquility offered a welcome break to calm the racing thoughts in my mind.
Though I can’t quantify the health effects, the practice became a valuable ritual to decompress after work. Setting aside this short period allowed me to focus solely on the natural world around me, offering a refreshing pause in my routine.
While Attenborough’s recommendation shines brightest in a woodland setting, even a small garden can serve as a sanctuary for reconnecting with nature. My garden visits from local wildlife—cats, hedgehogs, and foxes—remind me that nature is always near, waiting to be noticed.