Observing nature seems to be a difficult task that requires extensive experience and professional tools.
However, we can all only observe nature with our senses and without any prior knowledge. Of course, there is one factor that cannot be ignored: curiosity.
Observing nature is something we sometimes do without even being aware of it. For example, watching the sunset is an activity you may have done on your last vacation. However, we should observe our environment more often, even daily, as it has a positive impact on our health and well-being.
How do you observe nature?
If you grew up or live in the country, you probably know a lot about the animals and plants that live around you. You may have learned some of this through your job or from a family member who gave you this information, but you may have learned much of it through observation.
Children are particularly good at this activity. Even those who have the most energy and can’t stop playing, jumping and running all day are very alert and curious about their surroundings.
Now, for example, I remember that in my childhood we knew that with the first autumn rains we would see an invasion of flying ants. Or the mallow plant produced new fruits every spring in the shape of little bellies, perfect for our games.
What happens when we grow up and lose our ability to observe?

We really don’t lose it. However, the truth is that our attention is more focused on work and daily worries, which causes us to lose touch with nature. There is even a term for the state of separation in which people live.
There are some exercises you can do to practice observing nature. The first is to use all the senses, because although observing is an activity that requires the use of vision, by observing with other senses we will gain more information and the experience will undoubtedly be richer.
No instruments are required for this type of observation. You don’t even have to go to a specific natural environment. If you live in the city, you can also observe nature.
Follow these steps:
- Find a spot you like and sit down.
- Look around from different angles.
- Then close your eyes and use your ears. Do you hear the birds singing? Does the wind move the leaves? Are there flying insects?
- Now pay attention to what you smell. Do you smell any flowers? Soil moisture?
- Your skin can also help you perceive signals and observe nature. Today is a sunny day, isn’t it? Can you feel the grass under your feet?
- Now open your eyes and look again. Observe the details of each element that makes up the landscape: trees, plants, insects, birds, and think about the relationships between them.

This exercise takes no more than five minutes. If you can’t leave the house, you can do the same by looking out the window or observing your houseplants.
If you spend a few minutes every day, over time you will find that observing nature is very useful. You’ll even notice details that have been there for years and that you never noticed because you didn’t stop to “look.”
Watching can be addictive in a good way. Curiosity will soon force you to go further: learn the names of the plants that grow in your area, study the behavior of the birds that live in the city…
Your first observation tool should definitely be a notebook. There you can record your observations as you immerse yourself in nature, draw details or landscapes, describe what you find, write a text, etc.
You can also use it as a diary and write everything down later when you get home. Based on this material, you can ask yourself further questions and make connections between the various data collected.
The next step may be to search for information on the Internet or buy your first books on the topic of nature. Here you will find a lot of material to learn more about the animal and plant world or, if you are particularly interested, to deal with more specific topics.
Of course, observing nature can be a very entertaining activity if you are accompanied by family, friends or other people with the same concern.

A great way to meet people with similar interests is to participate in guided activities such as:
- watching birds
- hikes
- Ecological workshops
- Output of plant identification.
- For camping.
- Dive.
- Make Friluftsliv.
What is the importance of observing nature?
Even if the pace of urban life can sometimes make us forget, humans are still part of nature. Life isolated from nature even has a name: Nature Deficit or NDD.
Although it is not currently recognized as a disease, there are several studies that show that a lifestyle away from natural rhythms and the feeling of being part of nature has a great physical and mental impact on us.
The good news is that even if we live in an urban environment, we can practice nature observation without having to move far away or buy special equipment.
The ability to observe and communicate with other species living in our environment is innate. What’s more, watching doesn’t have to be boring or transcendent. They can be turned into a game or an opportunity to meet friends or family.
From tending an urban garden to forest bathing to simply admiring spring flowers, there are many ways to experience nature. The benefits are numerous, ranging from more subjective aspects such as feeling happier and less stressed to better health, as several studies have shown.
For example, according to an Australian study, active play and contact with nature help reduce the incidence of myopia in school-age children.
Observing nature is always beneficial, be it to do something different, improve health or prevent disease.
All you have to do is take the first step, take a walk and observe nature. There is certainly no shortage of opportunities to observe and explore the beauty around us.
With information from: