Why Time In Nature is Good for Introverts

Over the past couple years, I’ve noticed that the more time I spend in nature, the better and happier I am.

It started when I realized how relaxed and refreshed I was after a day at the pool with a friend. We hang out alone all the time, but days at the pool, in her backyard, surrounded by grass and trees, always felt more energizing and enjoyable than a day on the couch or a lunch outing.

Then I started taking more walks outside, and before long, I realized how energizing that was. And it wasn’t just the exercise. It was the fact that I was actually outside.

When I started thinking about what it is about nature that’s so good for me, I realized it has a lot to do with my more introverted tendencies.

So, here are six ways nature has been good for me as an introvert. And while this was inspired by my own personal experience, I think it’ll hold true for most of the introverts out there.

It’s more removed from the busy, extroverted world

The world has gotten very busy with the advancement of technology. Lights are brighter, sounds are louder, and phones and computers have made it easier than ever for us to be in constant communication.

And while there are definite advantages to this kind of progress, it has also made it harder for introverts to retreat into their sanctuaries to recharge.

The too-bright street light can shine through your window. The neighbor can play their music so loud you can’t escape it. And your boss can send a text or email to ask you a question when you’re off the clock.

But when you’re in nature, it’s a lot easier to slow down. You can leave your phone behind, or go someplace without reception. You can disconnect from the internet, and thus, anyone who may want your time or attention. The only sounds are the birds and the wind, and at night, no light is brighter than the moon.

Encourages solitude

Because it’s easier to disconnect, being in nature encourages solitude.

This means spending time in nature can be a great way to recharge your introvert batteries. The natural isolation from the busy world means that you are less likely to find your recharge time interrupted.

The fact that nature is a fairly low stimulation environment makes it a good way to spend a few hours or more to recover from an introvert hangover or just recharge from day to day life. Typically, nature doesn’t get too bright or loud or in-your-face (unless there’s a storm or you look directly at the sun–which you shouldn’t do). Nature just is.

That calm consistency can help reset an introvert’s system.

It’s great for small gatherings

Introverts may crave alone time, but we typically don’t like to be alone all the time. However, when we do socialize, we’re more likely to enjoy a small gathering with deeper or more meaningful discussion, than a crowded party full of networking and/or small talk.

Nature lends itself well to this type of gathering. Picnics, firepits, or a day at the lake are ideal for small gatherings and they all take place outdoors. They also lend themselves well to a quiet, peaceful day of good, deep conversation and laughs.

In this type of setting, you’re more likely to spend time really talking with the people who are there instead of just saying hello as you make the rounds at a crowded event.

Less interruptions/notifications/fight for attention

One thing that can really drain introverts is getting interrupted when you’re in the middle of something. This may not be true for all introverts, but I knew it’s true for a lot of us (myself included).

If I’m working and I’m totally locked in, few things are more jarring and frustrating to me than a notification going off on my phone or someone popping their head in “just to share one quick thing.”

Going out in nature (or even working out in nature) makes it easy to get away from the internet and all of it’s distractions and notifications. It also makes it harder for people to bother you with non-essential information.

This is just as true if you’re in nature with another person or small group. Even if you’re having a conversation with someone at home, it’s very likely that the TV is on in the background or that your phone and all its notifications are nearby.

When you’re in nature, there’s no TV and it’s a lot easier to put your phone away or leave it inside. The fact that there is so little competing for your attention will help preserve your energy and gives you more meaningful time with friends and family.

It’s easier to detach from problems

Most problems tend to happen inside or around other people. Being able to physically remove yourself from the proximity of your problem can help you gain space and perspective, which will make solving your problem more manageable.

This is something that will likely benefit extroverts as much as introverts, however for introverts, being continually engaged in a problem or conflict can be particularly draining.

Because of that, the time in nature will not only detach and give perspective but also allow for some recharge time, which will give introverts a little bit of an energy boost and make us more equipt to tackle the problem at hand.

It’s easier to feed your inner world

Part of being an introvert means having a rich inner world. But a lot of times, we have to put that world aside for the external world society has created.

I’ve never had too much of an issue going into my own inner world, but I’ve noticed it’s significantly easier when I’m outside. I can sit in my porch swing, look out at the trees and just be. There’s no reminder of something I have to do, someplace I have to be, or something I need to work for.

Being in nature makes it so easy to get lost in my own world, which can make it easier to be in the external world when I have to be.

Looking for more in-depth tips on how to build a thriving introvert life?

Check out the Introvert Life Guide!

This guide was designed to help you build the introvert life of your dreams. And it’s full of plenty of tips and tricks to help you live the best introvert life possible.

It will also help you embrace your introverted nature and build a life to help you thrive!

For more introvert tips and tricks, check out the other Introvert Life posts!

Sound off: How has nature helped you as in introvert? Tell me about it in the comments!