In today’s fast-paced world, nature offers a sanctuary for the mind and body. Taking time to step outside and connect with the natural world can help restore balance, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. In our interview with yoga and meditation teacher Magnus Fridh, we dive into the profound healing power nature offers, from calming the nervous system to helping us reconnect with our true selves.

What does nature mean to you and your well-being?

Nature means an incredible amount to me. I grew up in the countryside, and it has always given me a sense of being at home. A lot of it is about the smells and sounds – the wind rustling through the trees, the birds singing, and the scent of damp moss. My mother taught me early on about plant and animal life, which made me feel safe in the forest. I love both the dense pine forests' gloom and the rugged mixed forest along the coast.

The stillness in nature has always been like medicine for my restlessness, and in the forest, I feel grounded, present, and my senses come alive. When I was a child, the forest was right at the edge of our property, and I spent hours there, playing and exploring. I believe the physical and mental calm I experience in nature has to do with how the parasympathetic nervous system is activated there, which helps the body recover from stress and return to a balanced heart rate.

Is there a place in nature that always makes you feel calm?

I have several favorite places in Blekinge, where I grew up, but one of the most important is the archipelago. When I was young, I often went out alone to fish, and I feel extremely calm and safe in my childhood archipelago. It doesn’t matter if it’s windy or stormy weather, I still feel safe in those places. There’s something about the movement of the water and the vast, open landscape that lets all the stress and tension slip away.

You teach mindfulness and meditation – what does "being still" mean to you, and why is it so important in our time?

For me, stillness is a way to be present and find balance. In a time where everything rushes, where distractions and impressions constantly demand attention, stillness becomes a counterbalance – a place where I can ground myself, listen inward, and find clarity. Stillness is not just about physical rest, but also about inner silence, an opportunity to let thoughts fade and the mind settle.

Research shows that noise, especially from cities and traffic, can raise cortisol levels and create a constant low-grade stress in the body. This can affect both the heart and the nervous system. By regularly spending time in nature, we give our brain and body a break from the constant stimulation, which helps us regulate our heart rate and return to a parasympathetic state, where the body can repair and recover. It can be as simple as visiting a park in a city a few times a week. You might take a small detour to naturally find your way there.

Today’s society is defined by constant stimuli and stress. How can we use nature as a counterbalance to this?

In a world where we are constantly exposed to impressions and stress, nature can become a place for recovery, stillness, and presence. I have personally experienced how the forest gives me a break from the fast pace of modern life – a place where I can slow down, listen to the wind in the trees, and let my senses rest from all the digital and social demands.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels by stimulating the vagus nerve, which contributes to a sense of calm and well-being. Just walking barefoot in the grass or breathing in the scents of the forest can help the body activate its calm-and-rest system and increase heart rate variability, which is a sign that the nervous system is in balance.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to start living more in tune with nature and themselves – what would it be?

My advice is simple: create small moments of stillness. When we slow down and listen inward, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated – the part of our nervous system that helps the body recover and move from fight or flight to calm and rest. Sitting quietly by a tree, listening to the movement of the wind through the leaves, or walking barefoot in the grass is more than a mental break – it’s a way to calm our entire system, creating a physical change that reduces stress and strengthens our well-being. When we do this, we naturally begin to live more in harmony with nature – and ourselves.

Follow Magnus for More Inspiration

If you want to learn more about finding calm in today’s busy world, Magnus Fridh has written The Art of Stillness in a Noisy World. In his book, he explores how slowing down and embracing stillness amidst life’s chaos can help us be more present and regain balance. Learn how to quiet the noise and make space for the important things in life.

For daily inspiration on mindfulness, meditation, and living in harmony with nature, follow Magnus on Instagram. Join his journey to peace and presence in a world that never stops moving.

Images: Emma Tüll