Ditch the Stress, Embrace the Outdoors: A Nature Therapist’s Guide to Healing Through Nature
In a world where notifications never stop and screens dominate our attention, stepping outside might just be the reset button we didn’t know we needed. Nick Sharp, a nature therapist, Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist and wilderness guide, breaks down why nature is the ultimate healer. With insights pulled straight from the great outdoors and his work with equine therapy, Sharp explains how reconnecting with the natural world can regulate emotions, build resilience, and bring us back to ourselves.
And he doesn’t want it to feel complicated. One thing that you may not read in his impressive bio is that he is on a quest to find himself in the process. He sent us a wonderful personal message after our interview which said he’s on a quest to become a human being again. He recognized that he was a human doer for too long, and now he’s on a mission to help us hit the reset button and breathe…and we can absolutely get behind that.
Photo credit: Katarina Benzova
Step Outside and Hit the Happiness Reset Button
Sure, we all know a walk in the park feels good—but there’s actual science behind it. Sharp points out that stepping outside releases serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for those feel-good vibes. “Energetically, every time we step outdoors, we invite in a reset,” says Sharp. “It’s like hitting the refresh button for your soul.”
Nature also teaches us to let go—of our schedules, our phones, and the need to have it all figured out. “We’re part of the wild,” Sharp explains. “When we surrender to that, we tap into something bigger—an ecosystem that’s been thriving for millions of years.”
Nature: The Ultimate Spa Day for Your Nervous System
Think of nature as a spa day for your nervous system—minus the cucumber water. Sharp describes how spending time outdoors helps regulate our nervous system, offering the same calming effects we get from being around animals. “The electromagnetic field projected by a horse’s heart is five times that of a human’s,” he says. “Imagine what happens when we let the entire living earth hold us like that.”
Sharp explains, “We are not machines and we are not robots. However, sometimes we are trained to be in our Western culture. Our success is tied to what we achieve. Oftentimes this path limits our willingness to feel because our emotions get categorized as limiting or even dangerous.” Nature reminds us that it’s okay to feel, to move energy, and to let things flow instead of forcing them. Sharp emphasizes that the natural world mirrors what’s already inside of us.
Photo credit: Katarina Benzova
Easy Ways to Bring Nature Into Your Day—No Hiking Boots Required
You don’t need to move to the woods or start wearing hiking boots everywhere (unless that’s your vibe). Sharp shares quick ways to bring nature into your everyday routine:
- Tech-Free Walks: Ditch the phone, lace up your shoes, and let your senses take over. Notice the colors, textures, and sounds around you—no playlist required.
- Bring the Outdoors In: Adopt some houseplants or grow herbs like basil and mint. “When you care for a living plant, you’re nourishing yourself too,” says Sharp.
- Water Rituals: Whether it’s listening to a babbling brook on a meditation app or blessing your morning glass of water, honoring water as a life source connects us to the bigger picture.
Move It or Lose It: Nature as Therapy in Motion
Sharp encourages us to think of movement outdoors as more than exercise—it’s therapy in motion. “The most important piece is learning how to slow down,” he says. “Breathe. Look up. Look around. The world expands when we stop rushing through it.”
Whether it’s hiking, stretching on the beach, or mimicking the sway of a tree in the wind, Sharp suggests finding ways to move that feel natural and freeing. “When we slow down, we let ourselves feel instead of think—and that’s where healing happens.”
Horses Don’t Judge—And Neither Should You
Ever met someone who just gets you without saying a word? That’s a horse. “Horses don’t judge,” Sharp explains. “They demand presence and trust—and that’s where healing begins.”
Horses show us how to let go of control and lean into trust. “They don’t care about appearances. They respond to authenticity,” says Sharp. “Imagine bringing that level of honesty into all your relationships—how freeing would that be?”
Sharp also shares that horses reflect our emotions back to us, helping us build awareness and connection. “They teach us to stop overthinking and start feeling. And you don’t need a horse to practice this—just try leading with patience and curiosity in your interactions.”
Photo credit: Mike Oberlies
Unplug to Recharge: Why Disconnecting Brings You Back to Life
Sharp doesn’t think we need to run away to the woods permanently, but he’s a big advocate for unplugging now and then. “You don’t have to disappear to transform,” he says. “But when you put the phone down and let yourself be present, magic happens.”
Not ready for a full week in the wilderness? Start small:
- Digital Detox Days: Pick one day a week to go phone-free. Warn your friends and family, then enjoy the freedom.
- Micro-Moments of Pause: Take five minutes outside without distractions and just breathe.
- Explore Something New: Whether it’s a trail, a park, or just a different street, changing your scenery can shift your perspective.
Coming Home to Nature
“When we return to nature, we return home,” says Sharp. “We’re reconnecting with something ancient, something that’s always been there to support us.”
One thing is clear, Nick Sharp inspires us to just be outside—whether it’s a walk in the park, planting an herb garden, or simply sitting outside to watch the sunset, nature is always ready to welcome you back. Take a breath, step outside, and let the world remind you of who you really are.