🍁 Into the Woods: Few Nature Secrets Worth Sharing

I hope you had a chance to slow down and breathe a bit over the Labor Day weekend. Can we take a moment to appreciate how fast the trees are changing? That golden-red shimmer in the leaves means fall is tiptoeing in—and honestly, it’s my favorite time of year.

There’s something magical about this season: cozy layers, crisp mornings, and the quiet feeling that everything is finally settling down after the rush of summer. I took full advantage of the long weekend and disappeared into the forests of Northwest Montana for some much-needed quiet—no cell service, no schedule. Just me, the trees, and the stars.

🌲 My Yearly Escape

This was my third year returning to the same remote spot, and each time I go, it feels more like coming home. It’s peaceful, wild, and deeply healing. I spent a lot of time just being still—listening to the wind, soaking in the silence, and letting myself truly reset.

And of course, I brought a book.

📚 A Book Worth Packing: The Nature Fix

This time, I read The Nature Fix by Florence Williams. Have you heard of it? It’s all about how being in nature has measurable, science-backed effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Some of it I already felt deep down—but reading the research behind it really struck me.

Here are a few golden nuggets from the book (and from my weekend) that I think you’ll appreciate:

💚 4 Beautifully Simple Ways Nature Heals Us

1. The sounds of nature calm your nervous system.
Birdsong, rustling leaves, flowing water… these aren’t just peaceful background sounds. They literally help your body shift out of stress mode by lowering blood pressure and calming the mind.

2. The scent of pine, wood, and soil helps you relax.
Breathing in forest air activates brain regions associated with calm and safety. Pine needles and earthy scents aren’t just smells—they’re nature’s way of saying, You’re okay. Slow down.

3. Walking in the woods without your phone = peace for your brain.
Tech-free time outdoors gives your mind a much-needed reset. Just 20–30 minutes can restore focus, spark creativity, and boost your mood.

4. Even just looking outside helps.
No forest nearby? No problem. Studies show that sitting outdoors, tending to a plant, or even gazing out the window at trees for 30 minutes a day can reduce anxiety and increase your sense of connection.

🌿 You Don’t Need to “Go Off-Grid” to Feel Better

While my Montana getaway was dreamy, the truth is: you don’t have to travel far—or have a whole weekend free—to experience these benefits. A walk through your neighborhood park, sipping a hot drink on your porch, or even standing barefoot in the grass for a few minutes can reconnect you to something deeper and steadier.

Nature is always there, quietly offering calm, connection, and a break from the noise of modern life. Sometimes we just forget to look up and notice.

So as the leaves begin to change and the air turns cooler, I hope you’ll find small ways to let nature in. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just real.

Sending you warm thoughts, cozy vibes, and a gentle nudge to take that walk,
Dr Tammy