How Eleanor Pendleton connects with nature for self-care

Eleanor Pendleton is an Australian beauty and lifestyle entrepreneur, journalist, and founder of the beauty and wellness platform "Gritty Pretty." Born in Australia, she has made significant contributions to the beauty and fashion industry. Eleanor empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty and prioritise self-care. We were thrilled to learn more about how Eleanor connects with nature for her own wellness and self-care in our latest Hour in Nature Interview.

What’s your favourite thing to do in nature?

I am fortunate that I grew up on the NSW Central Coast – on an island in fact called St. Huberts Island. I think because I have spent my entire life in close proximity living near the water, for me the ocean is my happy place. I am happiest at the beach swimming with my husband and kids.

Describe your connection to nature: what positives does it bring to your life?

It's hard to explain the connection when it feels so intrinsic. I am deeply impacted by the energy of nature that surrounds us – from the positive ions in the ground to the feeling of salty air on my skin... nature is grounding. A constant source of recalibration. I think it's also why I felt so called to birth my daughter in the water. For me, nature is the centre beacon of energetic alignment. When my adrenal system is flaring and I'm busy or stressed, I know I simply need to come back to nature – a beach or bush walk – and I am instantly put back at ease. It's really powerful.

What are your fondest memories of spending time in nature?

I remember most of my childhood spent outdoors whether it was at the beach, sailing boats, my sister and I were always outdoors. I want my children to have that same privileged upbringing too.

Many of us are time-poor and might not get out into nature as much as we’d like. Any suggestions for a quick nature-based pick-me-up? Something sensory, experiential…? 

It sounds mighty simple but just 10 minutes of standing on grass with bare feet, no shoes, and doing slow inhalations and exhalations is enough to centre you.