I just returned from a week in northern Michigan, leading a wilderness-based camp for teenage girls. We hiked. We camped. We backpacked over 20 miles on Grand Island. We unplugged. And what I felt, deep in my body and soul, was peace. Even after bug bites, blisters, and sore legs—I came home more grounded than I’ve felt in months.

Here's Why:

Time in nature soothes your nervous system.

Research shows that walking in nature—even for an hour—reduces activity in the amygdala, the part of your brain responsible for detecting threats and triggering fight, flight, or freeze responses. For teachers, whose amygdalas are often constantly firing thanks to classroom demands, this kind of down-regulation is essential.

Simply being outside can lower your stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and help you shift from “survival mode” into a calmer, more regulated state.

And yet, most of us don’t think of nature as a strategy for teacher wellness.

But we should.

Whether it's a walk around your neighborhood, a visit to a local park, or a few minutes sitting in your backyard, nature is one of the most accessible tools you have to reset your mind and body. It may not solve every problem—but it gives your nervous system the pause it’s begging for.

Inside my course, Calm in the Classroom, we go deep into this.
There’s an entire module on nervous system regulation—because once you understand what’s happening in your brain and body, you can stop blaming yourself for feeling “off” and start working with your system instead of against it.

When your nervous system is regulated, you can show up more calm, clear, and confident—for your students, your family, and yourself.

If you want to feel better this school year—not just survive it—check out the course at brennanelsoncoaching.com/calmteacher.

And in the meantime?
Take a breath. Step outside. Let the trees do their work.
Your nervous system will thank you.​