Sometimes life can get in the way of getting out into nature. However, it has been shown that we can still reap wellbeing benefits from bringing elements of nature into our homes or workplaces.
The obvious way of bringing nature indoors is to have some houseplants dotted around your home or workspace. Looking after and nurturing houseplants can in itself be a therapeutic, calming activity and the houseplants themselves can help improve the quality of air in your home.
A small display of natural materials sustainably and responsibly sourced such as a few shells gathered from a beach, or a few pinecones from a woodland floor can be a nice reminder of your adventures out in nature. If you have a garden, these winter months may not be the ideal time for flowers, but some dried seed heads cut and brought in and placed in a vase can make an attractive display. I particularly like dried teasels and alliums which both last well. However, wherever you’re gathering natural materials, please be mindful of your impact on nature, avoid picking wild plants and flowers and be heedful of any local restrictions on doing so.
Bringing the sounds and smells of nature into your home or workspace is another way of reaping the benefits of nature indoors. Playing recordings of natural sounds such as bird song, or the lapping of water on a beach can have a calming effect on us. Natural scents can also have an impact on how we feel. Scent can be brought into your indoor space in a variety of ways. A vase of fragrant flowers, a bowl of dried lavender, or through the use of natural aromatherapy products.
Even pictures and photos of nature can help to reduce stress. A beautiful picture of the natural world on your wall opposite where you sit, or as a screen saver on your computer or mobile device can have a beneficial effect.
‘A beautiful plant is like having a friend around the house.’ - Beth Ditto
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