Sometimes healing doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from getting grounded in what’s already around us. In this inspiring episode, Julie and Ginger explore the powerful connection between nature and nervous system regulation, diving into the fascinating science behind why time outdoors calms, heals, and restores us.

From the forest floor to the garden bed, you’ll learn how nature interacts with our bodies and brains—on a chemical and cellular level—to reduce stress, boost mood, strengthen immunity, and bring us back into balance.

Try these easy, no-cost ways to reconnect and regulate:

Take a barefoot walk in the grass with your child.
Make mud pies, dig in the dirt, or plant something together.
Sit under a tree, journal outdoors, or simply breathe in the fresh air.
Create a “sit spot” at home or school to notice daily and seasonal changes.
Step away from screens and let the rhythm of nature help you downshift into calm.

Nature helps the body move from hyperarousal or dissociation into safety and connection—what trauma-sensitive educators call the window of tolerance. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, grounding yourself in nature isn’t just restorative—it’s regulating.

As Ginger reminds us: “Healing doesn’t just happen in therapy offices. It’s also waiting for us—just outside the front door.”

Resources & References:

The Nature Fix — Florence Williams
Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing — Dr. Qing Li
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder — Richard Louv
Your Brain on Nature — Eva Selhub & Alan Logan
Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons — Chevalier et al., Journal of Environmental and Public Health (2012)
Polyvagal Theory — Stephen Porges
Children & Nature Network: childrenandnature.org
Regulation and Co-Regulation: Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies for the Classroom and Beyond — by Ginger Healy

Ep 118: Nature, Earthing, and Grounding

Regulated & Relational