From Burnout to Balance: How Time in Nature Supports Educator Wellness

Teaching is more than just delivering lessons—it’s an act of deep emotional investment. Educators pour their energy, time, and passion into their students, which often leads to prioritizing their students' needs over their own self-care. The constant demands of the classroom, administrative pressures, and the challenge of keeping young learners engaged can lead to stress and burnout.

But what if there was a way to reduce stress, rekindle joy in teaching, and create a more meaningful learning experience for both educators and students? Gryphon House authors Rachel Larimore, PhD, and Patti Bailie, PhD, suggest that the answer may be right outside the classroom door.

Outdoor learning isn’t just a tool for engaging young children—it’s also a powerful act of self-care for educators, offering mental health benefits, a renewed sense of purpose, and a deeper connection to the joy of teaching.

The Link Between Nature and Educator Mental Health

Spending time in nature has long been associated with stress reduction, improved mood, and increased focus. Research shows that even short periods of outdoor exposure—just 10 to 20 minutes a day—can significantly lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.

For teachers, incorporating nature-based learning into their routine can serve as both a professional and personal form of self-care. As Dr. Patti Bailie and Dr. Catherine Koons-Hubbard explain in their book Partnering With Nature in Early Childhood, nature is not only what we teach—it’s also how we teach:

“With nature as our teaching partner, the classroom expands beyond its usual four walls to include the natural world, whether it be shoreline, prairie, or the neighborhood sidewalk. Partnering with nature provides teachers with almost endless opportunities to educate and fascinate.”

Teachers can break free from rigid schedules and structured lesson plans by embracing the dynamic rhythm of outdoor exploration. Nature’s spontaneity sparks curiosity, encourages flexibility, and creates a more relaxed learning environment—enriching the experience for both educators and students.

Preventing Burnout Through Outdoor Learning

A major factor in teacher burnout is the ongoing challenge of balancing academic standards with classroom management. However, incorporating outdoor learning into the school day can ease behavioral struggles, promote independent learning, and create a more engaging, flexible teaching experience. Nearly any lesson can be enhanced by connecting it to nature.

In their book, Partnering with Nature, authors Bailie and Koons-Hubbard share the outcomes of a retreat for educators. Their reflections highlighted how an outdoor classroom can transform the start of the school year—not as a rush to meet academic benchmarks, but as an opportunity to slow down and cultivate meaningful experiences

“The teachers concluded that this, far more than a lesson plan with every box filled in, was how they wanted to start the year. They wanted an outdoor classroom that drew each child in and invited different kinds of play. They wanted to ensure that their hikes and activities were less about literacy and math and more about those rare and fleeting feelings of spiritual connection.”

By slowing down and embracing unstructured moments, educators give themselves permission to breathe. Not every minute needs to be scripted. Not every transition needs to be rushed. Sometimes, letting a child take an extra two minutes to pull on their rain boots or observe a butterfly is just as valuable as completing a structured task.

This mindset shift is key to reducing stress and rediscovering the joy of teaching. When educators allow themselves to experience the wonder of nature alongside their students, their own sense of curiosity and fulfillment grows.

Fostering Engagement Through Nature-Based Learning

Outdoor learning doesn’t just benefit educators—it also creates a more engaging and meaningful experience for young learners. Research has shown that nature-based learning can:

• Increase focus and attention in students, particularly those with ADHD
• Support emotional regulation, reducing anxiety and behavioral issues.
• Boost curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through open-ended exploration.

Instead of relying solely on structured lesson plans,  nature can be used as an organic teaching tool, following children’s natural interests. In her book Preschool Beyond Walls ,Rachel Larimore, PhD describes how nature fosters engagement in ways that a traditional classroom often cannot:

I’m sure as an early childhood educator you’ve heard people ask something along the lines of, “Oh, so all the children do all day is just play?” For most early childhood educators, this is about as nerve-racking as fingernails on a chalkboard, because we know that play is learning. I have a similar reaction to comments such as, “Oh, so you just go for a walk in the woods.” Ack! Technically, yes, they’re playing or walking in the woods, but high-quality educators help scaffold children’s learning through observations, questions, and reflections. A walk in the woods may not have a predetermined destination, but the objective is always predetermined—children’s learning.”

This constant sense of discovery keeps both students and teachers engaged, making learning feel fresh, exciting, and full of possibility.

Practical Ways to Bring Nature Into Your Teaching Routine

The idea of incorporating outdoor learning might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Small, intentional shifts can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to integrate nature into your daily routine—without overhauling your curriculum:

• Take lessons outside—Read stories under a tree, do math with natural objects, or practice writing in the dirt with sticks. Almost any lesson can happen outdoors.
• Start the day with a short nature walk—Even five minutes of fresh air can help reset energy levels before heading into the classroom.
• Incorporate nature-based sensory experiences—Let students touch leaves, dig in the dirt, or splash in puddles. These experiences stimulate learning and improve emotional regulation.
• Create an observation station—Give students magnifying glasses or sketchpads to explore seasonal changes and local wildlife.
• Embrace unstructured outdoor time—Allow children (and yourself!) the freedom to wander, explore, and simply be present in nature.

The key takeaway? Outdoor learning doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about mindset, not materials. A shift toward slowing down, embracing curiosity, and allowing time for unstructured exploration can make a profound impact on both educator well-being and student learning.

Educators deserve a teaching experience that feels fulfilling, joyful, and sustainable. By stepping outside, slowing down, and letting nature be the guide, teachers can reclaim their own sense of wonder—and, in turn, offer a richer, more engaging experience to their students.