The Art of Nature Doodling

In a world that feels fast and full, simple practices such as doodling are highly under-rated. Usually a pass-time to combat boredom in a meeting or while on hold for that impossible call with an automated enquiry system, doodling can in fact give us much, much more.

Nature doodling is the mindful act of sketching or drawing of natural shapes, forms and textures (think leaves, feathers, spirals, petals, seed heads or flowing water lines) It’s not about making perfect art or realistic drawings. It’s about tuning in, slowing down and letting your hand draw freely. You can doodle directly from what you see in nature or simply let your mind wander while recalling your favourite nature scenes or textures. If you need a visual, something to trace or something to simply take some inspiration from, you can download a free copy of Root & Restores Nature Doodles HERE

The Benefits of Nature Doodling

1. Reduces Stress & Anxiety; Doodling has been shown to calm the nervous system and activate a state of flow, that lovely feeling where time slows down and thoughts settle. When combined with nature the calming effect is even greater. It’s a gentle way to quiet the mind and reduce overwhelm.

2. Encourages Mindfulness; Drawing natural forms requires your attention. You begin to notice the small things, the way a fern unfurls, the pattern on a shell, the symmetry of a daisy. This kind of focused noticing brings you into the present moment, which is the very heart of mindfulness.

3. Builds a Connection to Nature; It helps you to ‘see’ nature. To draw it or to think of it means you are focused on it. Nature doodling helps deepen your appreciation for the wild things around you no matter how small. You begin to appreciate the textures, the rhythms and the beauty in everything you wouldn’t normally notice. It helps build a sense of awe and belonging.

4. Unlocks Creative Flow; Nature is full of irregular, flowing and beautiful forms. Whether you enjoy art, dislike it or have just never really spent any time doing it, doodling is free from the normal pressures associated with drawing. There’s no ‘wrong’ way to doodle a leaf or a stone - only your way. A doodle is a doodle, it is personal to you and requires only a pen/pencil and a piece of paper.

5. Supports Mental Health; Creative activities like doodling and of course, being out in nature, have both been linked to improved mood, reduced cortisol levels and a greater sense of wellbeing. Even five minutes with a pen and a simple prompt and added to that a quiet moment in nature, can be an important restorative act.

Try it for yourself, you don’t need any fancy tools or art degrees, just a pen and paper and a few minutes of stillness. You might like to sit outside, or by a window. You might like to create doodles from your imagination, or use prompts. There’s no pressure to make anything ‘good’, simply let your pen wander like a stream, curl like a petal or sprout like a seed.

This is not about making art. It’s about coming home to yourself. No rules, no pressure, just pen, paper & peace.

Drop me a comment or tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see your doodles!

Welcoming Autumn: A Gentle Journaling Ritual

There’s something deeply grounding about the arrival of autumn. The days become shorter, the air crisp and the trees begin their quiet transformation. The vibrant greens of summer fade and our eyes gaze upon oranges, browns and yellows. Nature asks us to slow down, reflect and prepare for the stillness of winter. This season of change invites us to find comfort in the quiet moments. Journaling is a wonderful way to connect with the rhythms of nature and nurture ourselves.

Autumn is a time for both letting go and embracing change. As the leaves turn and fall, we’re reminded that it’s ok to release those things that no longer serve us. It prompts a call to slow down and find the joy in the new season, letting go of the last, whether it’s a focus on the cooler air, the fresh smell of rain, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet or the quiet beauty of the golden light. There is so much to appreciate when we slow down and truly see.

Creating a Journaling Ritual

Journaling during this time can help us stay grounded in the present moment. It provides a gentle way to reflect on what we have experienced so far and what we’d like to let go of before the year closes. Here’s a simple journaling ritual to try as you welcome autumn:

1. Find a quiet space in nature, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, a quiet corner inside. Light a candle, wrap up in a cosy blanket and simply allow yourself to breath deeply for a few moments.

2. Begin with gratitude. List 3 things you’re grateful for right now, big or small. Gratitude has a way of shifting our focus to the positive, especially when the seasons change.

3. Reflect on change. Ask yourself: What have I learned this year? What do I need to release to make room for growth? Write freely and without judgement.

4. Create a nature inspired prompt. Draw a simple leaf, a flower or a symbol that represents autumn to you. Use this as a reminder to reflect on the cycle of change in your own life.

Autumn is a time to reflect, release and make space for what’s to come. By bringing mindfulness and journaling into this season we create a gentle way to stay connected to ourselves and the world around us. It’s the perfect time to reflect and root deeper into the beauty that surrounds us, both in nature and ourselves. Remember, slow down, enjoy the process and let your thoughts flow naturally. You deserve it.

I’d love to hear how you’re welcoming autumn this year. Do you have a journaling ritual? Share your thoughts and tag me on Instagram @rootandrestorebysarahlynne

May the seasons guide you and the quiet moments root you. With love from my notebook to yours, Sarah Lynne.

What is Hygge Journaling?

Hygge journaling is quite simply a cosy approach to writing, reflection and seasonal self nurture.

Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish word with no real direct English translation, but is often described as a feeling of cosiness, contentment and warmth. It’s about creating space for comfort and connecting with the moment. For me, it’s about finding joy in the small things, like a soft blanket, a candle flicker, or as the nature inspired girl that I am, a fluttering butterfly or a beautiful sunset.

Now imagine bringing some of that feeling into your journaling practice.

Hygge Journaling is…

• A cosy ritual - journaling not as a task, but as a moment to wrap yourself in calm.

• A way to gently connect - with your inner world, the seasons and the small beauties of your day.

• A practice of presence - noticing what’s around you ( a birdsong, the smell of coffee, the peace and quiet) and then writing from that space.

• A slower pace - where the focus isn’t on productivity, but on ease, gratitude and reflection.

How to Create a Hygge Journaling Moment…

You don’t actually need very much, just intention! Here are some ideas:

• Light a candle or lamp with warm light

• Play soft music (or simply enjoy the silence)

• Sit somewhere snug, with a blanket or cushion, by a window or in a quiet outdoor spot

• Think about how you’re feeling and what you want to put down onto paper

• Write slowly, gently and without judgement

What to Write About?

Hygge journaling isn’t about deep analysis. It’s about a feeling held. Here are some ideas:

• A moment today that made you smile

• What brings you comfort or joy right now

• A small seasonal change you’ve noticed

• Something you’re grateful for in this moment

• How nature is speaking to you lately, something you’ve enjoyed whilst out and about

Why it Matters…

In a world that often pulls us toward ‘doing’ and ‘rushing’, Hygge journaling offers a small pause. It’s like a little whisper in your ear saying “You don’t have to be anywhere right now but here and you don’t have to be anyone but yourself”

It’s essentially a practice of self kindness, grounding and finding a small moment of joy in the gentle things.

For me, my small personal moments of joy come in many shapes and sizes. A feeling of ‘ahhhhh’ from a latte sip, or complete mesmerisation from the sun sparkling on water, the smell of wild bracken or watching a bird, busy flitting to and fro.

Whatever your moments might be, stopping to reflect and capture that feeling with a moments presence, can truly bring us back to self and what better way to hold onto that, than with a journal you can keep and revisit.

If you’d like some guidance with creating journal pages, you can download the Root & Restore Companion Journal

Still & Grounded - Creating a Sit Spot Practice

I often find these days, that just sitting still is such a quiet act of rebellion. With so much going on, it’s so important to just take a breather, and if we can make this a regular part of our lives, the benefits are great. A Sit Spot is a simple nature based practice where you choose one outdoor place to return to regularly, just to be, to sit, to notice and to let the world unfold around you without needing to do anything at all.

“To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment.” - Jane Austen

So Exactly What is a Sit Spot?

At it’s heart, a sit spot is simply somewhere in nature that is accessible, safe and brings you joy to be in. Somewhere you can go to slow down and observe. It could be a patch of woodland, a garden bench, a balcony or even a window seat that overlooks the trees. It’s not about hiking or planning, it’s about stillness, familiarity and showing up for some quiet connection.

Why It Matters

When you visit the same spot again and again, you begin to notice. The subtle changes of the seasons. The return of a bird. The way the light moves across the leaves. The small, beautiful things that only appear when we’re still long enough to see them.

This practice supports mindfulness, reduces stress and gently restores your connection to the natural world. It’s also an invitation to reconnect with yourself, without pressure or distraction.

How to Begin

Starting a sit spot practice is beautifully simple:

1. Choose your spot. Somewhere easy to access, peaceful and where you feel safe. Nature rich is wonderful, but even a small space with sky, wind or birdsong will do.

2. Visit regularly. Daily or weekly is lovely. Consistency is more important than duration.

3. Be still and present. Sit quietly, let your senses awaken and simply observe. There’s no need to write or do anything… just be.

4. Use the printable. If writing or sketching is your thing, or simply need help with focus, my Root & Restore Companion Journal offer space to gently record what you see, hear, feel and a moment you want to remember.

A Gentle Invitation

This isn’t a practice of doing, but one of being. A few quiet moments, a patch of ground, a breath of air and that’s really all it takes. Let your sit spot become a familiar friend. Let it remind you that even in the quiet, something beautiful is always unfolding.

Nature and Wellbeing: A Gentle Connection

In a fast paced world, nature offers a quiet kind of healing, no demands, no ‘to do’ lists, just the steady rhythm of birdsong, shifting skies and leaves blowing in the breeze. It really is no wonder that spending time outdoors is one of the most natural ways to tend to our wellbeing.

A Return to Something Familiar

Being in nature isn’t always about grand adventures (although these are also encouraged!) It’s about coming home. A walk through a woodland, the feel of the breeze on your cheeks, the quiet babbling of a stream … these simple things have a way of bringing us back to ourselves.

Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, boost mood and improve focus. But even with the science, we feel it in our bodies, nature calms us and grounds us. It gently restores what has been frayed by busy days.

Noticing as a Form of Self Care

The beauty of nature is that it asks nothing from us. We don’t need to be “good” at it. We just need to show up and slow down enough to simply notice.

Looking at the same tree each morning. Watching how the sky changes. Listening to the rustle of leaves. These moments are small but they invite presence and presence invites peace.

Supporting Your Journey with Gentle Journaling

This is where Root & Restore finds it’s place… in the quiet intersection between nature and reflection. The journal pages you’ll find here aren’t about performance or productivity, they are simply an invitation to pause, notice and breathe. Journaling alongside nature gives your thoughts somewhere to land. It allows gratitude, creativity and a curiosity to slowly unfurl.