The Hidden Ways We’re Subconsciously Connected to Nature
Photo by me! Sweetellabella Photography
Have you ever noticed how the sound of birds chirping in the morning just feels peaceful? Or how the smell of rain before a storm brings a weird sense of calm and nostalgia?
Turns out, it’s not just in your head, we’re wired to respond to nature in ways we don’t even realize. From the way we instinctively relax near water to the subtle alertness we feel when the wind picks up, nature has been shaping our reactions and emotions since the beginning of mankind. Even in our modern world of screens and city life, these connections are still there, quietly guiding us. Here are some of the ways we’re subconsciously tuned into nature whether we realize it or not!
We are deeply and subconsciously connected to nature, and many of our instincts and emotions are shaped by natural cues we don’t even realize we’re responding to.
The Sound of Birds Chirping
Safety – Our ancestors knew that when birds were singing, predators weren’t nearby. A silent forest often meant danger. both from predators and natural disaster. If you've ever experienced a tornado, you know that eerie, unsettling silence that comes right before it hits.
Photo by me! Sweetellabella Photography. Photo available as a 6×4 sticker in my shop Here
The Smell of Rain (Petrichor)
Fertility & Renewal – The earthy scent before rain signals moisture and fertile soil, preparing plants and animals for nourishment. It’s a mix of plant oils, bacteria, and a compound called geosmin, which is released from the soil when moisture disturbs it. Our deep, subconscious connection to this smell likely comes from our ancestors, and it signaled rain, renewal, and fertile land, essential for survival. Even today, we associate petrichor with comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of calm, as if nature itself is pressing a reset button. It’s no wonder so many people love the smell of rain, and it’s literally hardwired into us. This photograph is by me and a 6x4 sticker of it is available in my shop here.
Warm Sunlight on Skin
Comfort & Energy – Sun exposure triggers serotonin production, boosting our mood and giving us a natural sense of well being. Sunlight isn’t just comforting, it’s essential. When it hits our skin, it triggers Vitamin D production, strengthening our immune system and bones. It also boosts serotonin, improving mood, focus, and overall well-being. Our bodies are wired to respond to the sun, which is why a sunny day feels uplifting and winter’s lack of light can bring fatigue. Simply put, sunlight is nature’s way of recharging us.
Flowing Water Sounds
Relaxation – Streams, waves, and rain have a calming effect because, instinctively, we associate moving water with life, hydration, and safety. Civilizations were built along rivers and coastlines because water meant survival, growth, and connection. Even today, the rhythmic sounds of waves or a babbling brook lower stress levels, slow our breathing, and bring a deep sense of peace, reminding us of our timeless bond with nature.
Cool Breeze on Skin
Change is Coming – A shift in the wind often precedes weather changes, triggering a subconscious awareness of our environment. Since ancient times, humans have relied on shifts in the wind to predict incoming storms, seasonal transitions, or temperature drops, making it one of nature’s most subtle but powerful cues. A sudden gust often precedes rain or a cold front, triggering a subconscious awareness that something in the environment is shifting.
Full Moon
Restlessness or Alertness – Many animals (and humans) are naturally more alert during a full moon, likely because the extra light once made nighttime predators more active.Many animals, including humans, experience disrupted sleep or increased energy during a full moon, likely due to the extra light once signaling a time of heightened activity in the wild. For our ancestors, a bright moon meant predators were more active, so staying alert was a matter of survival. Even today, studies suggest that people sleep less deeply around the full moon, possibly due to our internal body clocks still responding to that ancient warning system. Whether it’s causing wolves to howl, tides to shift, or people to feel a little more restless, the full moon’s influence is a subtle yet powerful reminder of our deep rooted connection to nature. This Picture is by me! you can purchase this in a 4x6 sticker Here. (At the time of writing this blog I don’t currently have it listed, so I will change this link once listed)
The Smell of Pine
Health & Freshness – Pine forests release compounds that boost our immune system and reduce stress, which is why we associate their scent with clarity and well being. Pine forests release compounds called phytoncides, which have been shown to boost the immune system, lower stress hormones, and improve mood. This is part of why spending time in pine rich areas, like mountain forests, feels so refreshing and rejuvenating. Our deep rooted association with pine as a sign of freshness and clarity goes back to its role in traditional medicine, where it was used for respiratory health and mental focus. Even today, its scent is commonly used in aromatherapy, cleaning products, and essential oils to promote feelings of well being and renewal.
The Golden Hour
Calm & Reflection – The warm light before sunset triggers a natural sense of peace, as it signals the end of the day, time to rest, and prepare for night. Our ancestors relied on these natural light shifts to regulate their sleep cycles, and even today, our bodies respond by reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing melatonin production, preparing us for relaxation. The golden hues of sunset evoke feelings of nostalgia, peace, and introspection, making this time of day ideal for unwinding, journaling, or simply taking in the world around us.
Before SweetEllaBella became a boutique, it was my photography business, and as a photographer, I always took advantage of the golden hour for family and portrait sessions. The warm, soft light at that time created beautiful tones, natural highlights, and eliminated harsh shadows, making it the perfect setting for capturing timeless moments.
Soft Ground Underfoot
Security – Walking on moss, grass, or damp earth subconsciously feels more stable and grounding than pavement, connecting us to the land. Beyond physical comfort, walking on natural surfaces is linked to grounding (earthing) the idea that direct contact with the earth helps reduce stress, improve mood, and even regulate the body's electrical charge. Studies suggest that touching the earth can help lower inflammation, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of calm, which is why so many people feel instantly more at peace when they step barefoot onto grass or sand.
Morning Dew
Freshness & Renewal – Seeing dew covered grass in the early morning signals a new day, fresh beginnings, and a well hydrated ecosystem. Dew forms during the night as temperatures cool, causing water vapor in the air to condense on plants and soil. This process isn’t just a visual cue for a fresh start… it’s essential for life. In dry climates and regions where rainfall is scarce, morning dew provides a critical source of hydration, sustaining plants and small creatures that rely on it for survival. Ancient civilizations recognized its importance, often associating dew with fertility, purity, and divine nourishment.
Crackling Fire
Warmth & Safety – The sound and smell of a campfire instinctively bring comfort because fire once meant warmth, protection, and food. For early humans, fire wasn’t just a convenience; it was essential for life. It provided warmth on cold nights, protection from predators, and a way to cook food, which led to better nutrition and brain development. The glow of fire extended the day beyond sunset, giving our ancestors time to bond, tell stories, and form social connections. The rhythmic dance of flames has even been linked to meditative states, helping to quiet the mind and bring a sense of presence and tranquility. Fire also fosters human connection. Sitting around a fire naturally encourages storytelling, laughter, and deep conversations, much like it did for ancient tribes gathered around communal fires. This is why people gravitate toward fireplaces in homes, campfires during outdoor adventures, and bonfires during social gatherings, they bring a sense of togetherness rooted in something much older than modern life.
Open Fields & Wide Horizons
Freedom & Peace – We naturally feel more relaxed in open spaces because they offer clear sightlines and a sense of safety, unlike dense, enclosed areas. In the natural world, being in a dense forest or an enclosed space could mean hidden dangers like predators, enemies, or unseen obstacles. Open landscapes, on the other hand, allowed our ancestors to see potential threats from a distance, find food sources, and navigate freely without obstruction. The ability to scan the horizon and take in a wide field of vision naturally lowers anxiety and gives a sense of control over the environment.
This is why people often feel uneasy in tight, enclosed spaces (like crowded cities or dense forests) but experience relaxation and even a sense of awe in vast landscapes like rolling meadows, deserts, or open plains. Our subconscious still associates space with freedom and security, making open areas a natural stress reliever.
Heavy, Humid Air
Incoming Storm – Our bodies sense shifts in barometric pressure, which is why some people feel restless or even get headaches before storms. For our ancestors, recognizing these subtle atmospheric shifts was crucial for survival. A sudden drop in pressure meant that strong winds, rain, or even more severe weather could be on the way. This awareness triggered a natural response to find shelter, ensuring safety before the storm arrived.
Even today, this instinct remains, many people feel an urge to stay inside, cancel plans, or prepare for a storm, even before checking a forecast. It’s our built in weather warning system. When humidity rises, the air becomes denser with moisture, making it feel thicker and harder to breathe. This is because humid air reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, causing us to feel hotter, heavier, and more sluggish. This is why many people feel drained before a storm or during high humidity days, it’s not just discomfort, it’s a physiological response to the environment.
While the lead up to a storm can feel oppressive and draining, there’s something undeniably powerful and cleansing about its arrival. When the first raindrops hit, the wind shifts, and the temperature drops, there’s often a sense of relief, as if the earth itself is exhaling after holding its breath.
This is why many people find storms soothing, despite their disruptive nature. They bring a pause, a reset, and a reminder of nature’s cycles, from the buildup of heavy, humid air to the eventual downpour that washes everything clean.
The Sound of Bees & Insects
Life & Productivity – The buzz of bees and the chirping of crickets subconsciously signal a healthy ecosystem, which is why many people find these sounds oddly soothing. The presence of bees, crickets, and other insects meant that plants were pollinating, crops were growing, and the land was healthy, all crucial for survival. A quiet, insect free landscape, on the other hand, could signal drought, disease, or an ecological imbalance. The buzz of bees is particularly linked to the idea of productivity and movement. Bees are constantly at work, pollinating flowers, gathering nectar, and keeping the natural cycle in balance. Their hum represents purpose, focus, and efficiency, which is why it often evokes a sense of motivation and calm at the same time. Bee Picture by me! Sweetellabella Photography
Crickets, on the other hand, are often associated with the time of day. Their chirping typically intensifies at dusk, signaling the transition from day to night. There’s even science behind this. Crickets chirp in sync with temperature changes, meaning their sounds can actually help predict the weather. Some people find the repetitive rhythm of cricket chirps meditative, as it mimics a heartbeat like pattern that calms the nervous system.
when people visit areas that lack the usual insect sounds, there’s often a sense that something is missing, a sign of ecological distress, habitat loss, or environmental decline. This is why we associate the drone of bees and the chirp of crickets with comfort, it’s a soundscape that tells us nature is in balance.
Tree Canopies
Protection & Security – Sitting under a tree feels inherently safe and comforting, an instinct carried over from when trees provided shelter from predators and harsh weather. This is why people are drawn to sit beneath trees when seeking quiet reflection, relaxation, or even a sense of security in unfamiliar places. Tree canopies create a natural sanctuary, offering comfort without the need for walls.
Springtime Energy
Growth & New Beginnings – Longer daylight and fresh plant growth instinctively boost our motivation and energy levels, just as they do for animals emerging from winter. As the days grow longer and sunlight increases, our bodies naturally adjust to the change in light exposure, which influences hormones, sleep cycles, and overall mood. This natural reawakening isn’t just psychological, it’s something deeply embedded in our DNA, a response to the return of life, abundance, and opportunity after the scarcity of winter.
Photo by me Sweetellabella Photography. This is available as a 4×6 photo sticker in my shop Here
Autumn Leaves
Preparation & Change – The changing colors and falling leaves subconsciously trigger a feeling of reflection and readiness for winter. Just as animals gather food and trees shed their leaves, we too experience an internal shift, feeling the urge to slow down, take stock, and prepare for what’s ahead. This seasonal mindset shift is why many people associate autumn with coziness, nostalgia, and a desire to reconnect with home and self. The world outside slows down, and so do we. Throughout history, autumn marked a time of harvest and gathering, ensuring survival through winter. Even today, we feel this ancestral pull, we celebrate our accomplishments (a modern day harvest), gather with loved ones for seasonal traditions like Thanksgiving and fall festivals, and take time to reflect and prepare before winter’s stillness arrives.
Snowfall Silence
Calm & Stillness – A fresh snowfall absorbs sound, creating a natural sense of quiet and peace, which is why winter landscapes feel so serene. There’s something almost otherworldly about the silence that follows a fresh snowfall. The world feels hushed, slowed down, and deeply peaceful, as if nature itself is taking a long, deep breath. This profound stillness isn’t just in our imagination, it has a scientific, psychological, and even instinctual effect on us, creating a sense of calm, clarity, and introspection. This happens because snowflakes contain tiny pockets of air, which absorb and scatter sound waves, naturally reducing noise. As fresh snow accumulates, it forms a thick, soundproofing blanket, softening echoes and muting sharp noises. Even the moisture in the air before and during snowfall plays a role, further dampening sound transmission and making the world feel even more hushed. This is why stepping outside after a snowfall feels so peaceful, nature itself has quieted, inviting us into stillness with it.
Our connection to nature isn’t just a feeling… it’s written into our DNA, passed down by our ancestors who lived by the rhythms of the earth. The sound of birdsong signals safety, the scent of rain stirs something deep within us, and the golden light of sunset tells us it’s time to slow down. These instincts aren’t random; they are threads in the vast tapestry of nature, woven through generations of survival, guiding us even when we don’t realize it. We are not separate from the natural world, we are a part of it, meant to move in unison with its cycles, not against them. When we tune into these ancient cues, we remember that nature isn’t just something we observe, it’s something that speaks to us, nurtures us, and invites us to dance with it in harmony.
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