Three ways to use nature to find balance

Let's look at how we can work on balancing ourselves from the outside in...

In Ayurveda, our health is shaped not only by what we eat or how we move, but by how we relate to the natural world. We are considered part of nature, not separate from it - so spending time outdoors is a foundational form of self-care.

Sunlight: supporting agni and rhythm

Daily exposure to sunlight helps regulate dinacharya, the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Morning light in particular supports agni (digestive and metabolic fire), promotes healthy sleep–wake cycles, and strengthens immunity. Sunlight also supports vitamin D production, bone health, and mood by increasing serotonin. From an Ayurvedic perspective, light nourishes vitality (ojas) and helps keep the body’s internal clocks aligned with nature.

Getting your hands dirty: grounding vata

Contact with the earth—gardening, walking on natural terrain, tending animals, or simply touching soil—has a grounding effect on vata dosha, which governs the nervous system. Exposure to the natural microbiome of the soil supports gut health and resilience, while the sensory experience of earth, texture, and smell helps calm mental restlessness. These simple interactions reduce stress and reconnect us with the stabilizing qualities of the elements.

Space to rest: calming the mind and nerves

Nature offers a powerful antidote to over stimulation. Time outdoors reduces excess rajas (mental agitation) and supports sattva - clarity, calm, and presence. Being outside, even without physical activity, allows the nervous system to downshift. Sitting quietly in fresh air, feeling the breeze or warmth of the sun, can be enough to restore balance and mental clarity.

For many of us, modern life keeps us indoors, treating time outside as optional or merely a “break.” Ayurveda teaches otherwise. Regular time in nature is essential for maintaining balance, supporting digestion, calming the nervous system, and sustaining long-term health. Making outdoor time a daily ritual (even briefly) can profoundly support the body, mind, and spirit.