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Nature Is the New Self-Care

August 28, 2026

Wellness and self-care are hot topics these days—and for good reasons. Taking care of body, mind, and spirit is essential for us to feel and perform our best.

The challenge is that, in addition to caring for ourselves, many of us are caring for others and managing all that comes with productive adult lives. We have so much to do that “self-care” can start to sound like an expensive indulgence that’s difficult (if not impossible) to fit into an already packed schedule. Further, when we think of self-care, we envision spa days, massages, and facials—all great, but not always practical.

But here’s some good news: self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

In fact, one of the easiest forms of self-care is already waiting outside your door: Nature

Nature offers fresh air, sunlight, movement, and space, giving us the perfect setting to slow down and recharge—no gym membership, spa appointment, or complicated routine required.

The only catch? When we head to the great outdoors, we need to do it safely, which means protecting yourself from the sun with SPF and a UPF-rated hat.

Below we’re offering seven ways nature can become a simple form of self-care—and adding a few Wallaroo sun-protective hats to take along for the journey.

Nature Relieves Stress and Offers Downtime

When we’re outside, nature is the focal point, offering sights like trees, grass, flowers, birds, water, and blue skies. It’s hard to be stressed out when we’re surrounded by beauty. The calm of being in nature can do wonders for our cortisol levels.

Try this: Whether you’re home during the day or at a workplace, schedule 10 minute “fresh air” breaks and simply step outside for air and a fresh perspective. It’s amazing what that short time outside can do for your well-being.

Wallaroo pairing: For women, the Scrunchie is a wide-brimmed option for park side sitting and outdoor exploring that you can roll up and throw in your bag for when you are on the go. Guys, you can’t go wrong with the easy going Outback fedora.

Nature Makes Us More Present

Screen time becomes second fiddle when we're surrounded by beautiful flowers, a gorgeous sunset, a lake or ocean view, the smell of fresh rain, or a beautiful trail surrounded by trees. Nature presents real sights, sounds, and sensations that grab our attention and remind us to pay attention to what’s in front of us.

Try this: Head to a nearby hiking trail, visit a botanical garden, or photograph the small things that catch your eye on a neighborhood stroll.

Wallaroo pairing: The Kristy Fedora and Carter are travel-friendly styles, perfect for sightseeing, an outdoor lunch, or an evening walk. Both are UPF 50+ sun-protective and packable.

Nature is a Great Connector

Is there anything better than a long walk with a trusted friend, a round of golf with your favorite foursome, or hours spent on the water with a loved one? Outdoor activities and meaningful interactions bring together movement, fresh air, and socialization… connecting us to people in a way texting and chats can’t compete with.

Try this: Plan a picnic in the park, take the family camping, or invite the neighbors over to hang out at your firepit.

Wallaroo pairing: Ladies, the Aqua Hat is a waterproof, packable, wind-resistant option for the pool, beach, or time by the water. Guys, try the floatable, packable Explorer for fishing, kayaking, or boating.

Nature Can Support Better Sleep

It seems like everyone is looking for ways to get better sleep. As it turns out, nature can help, as time spent outdoors may help support the body's natural sleep-wake rhythm. Fresh air and movement during the day can help set the stage for better rest.

Try this: Establish a daily routine with morning sunlight, a walk at lunch, and time spent outside after dinner - maybe finish some yardwork, take a post dinner stroll, or spend some time watching the stars.

Wallaroo pairing: For the gals, the Gabi adds sun protection and style to gardening, neighborhood walks, or patio time. It even has an opening for a ponytail! Guys, the Summit is a lightweight, sun-protective choice for a daily outdoor routine.

Nature is a Screen-Free Resent

Nature is maybe the greatest reminder that there’s a world (and a real one at that!) beyond our screens. So, put your phone on silent (and in your pocket!), and step outside to enjoy scenes far more “likable” than any Instagram story or YouTube video.

Try this: Spend time outdoors reading, writing, or simply soaking in the sun… with your technology off and away from you.

Wallaroo pairing: For women, the Casual Traveler is an everyday option for a walk, a good book, or an afternoon escape. For men, the Logan has a wide brim, UPF 50+ fabric, an adjustable fit, and a chin strap for breezy trails or shoreline walks.

Nature is Always Accessible

Even if you can’t head outdoors, you can still look out the window and take in the views for a dose of nature. If you can go outside, there are endless possibilities for movement or relaxation—lakes, rivers, oceans, beaches, trails, parks, and city parks.

Try this: Do what you can to enjoy nature - gaze out the window, sit on the porch with coffee or take the scenic route home from work. Extra time spent on country roads is far less stressful than rush hour on the expressway.

Wallaroo pairing: For women, the Victoria UPF is a stylish, packable UPF 50+ wide-brim option for the garden, local park, or a weekend adventure. For men, the Carkella Tahoe is a durable, lightweight, water-resistant UPF 50+ boonie hat for trails, waterfront strolls, and spontaneous outdoor plans.