5 ways to bring nature indoors (and why it makes us feel good)

Studies have shown that being close to nature brings us happiness – so why not bring a slice of it indoors?

When you tally up all the benefits of spending time in nature – which also include better working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control, as reported by the American Psychological Association – it’s only natural that you’d want to incorporate more of it into your everyday. 

Gardening can improve mood, plants in the office have been said to boost productivity, and studies show our overall health benefits from exposure to nature. And those benefits aren’t just for people venturing into the outdoors – here’s how you can bring a piece of it into your own home.

Indoor plants are a relatively inexpensive way to breathe life into your living space – quite literally. Not only do they instantly brighten up a space, they also double as an air purifier by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

Some common household plants are the Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera Deliciosa and Devil’s Ivy – these can easily be found at your local nursery or plant store. If you live in an apartment or want something a bit smaller, opt for a succulent. Don’t worry if you skip a watering every now and then – they thrive in dry conditions and don’t require much maintenance.

Most other house plants enjoy a shower regularly, but take care not to overwater them. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture level with your finger. If it’s damp, wait till it dries up before giving it a drink. 

If you have a green thumb or are keen to cultivate one, make growing your own produce your next project. You don’t need a backyard to get this healthy, sustainable source of food off the ground either – pots on a balcony, hanging baskets or even containers on the windowsill will do.

Growing and eating seasonal herbs and vegetables is great for your health. Figure out which plants grow best in your area with help from the ABC’s seasonal planting guide.

Letting more natural light into your living space can brighten up both your mood and your home.

As reported by Forbes, up to 13-15 minutes of exposure to natural light is enough to release endorphins, or “happy hormones”, which can really turn your mood around. In a workplace survey by Harvard Business Review, 78 per cent of employees said natural light improved their wellbeing, while 70 per cent reported improved work performance. This is especially apt in the flexible WFH models many office workers now find themselves in.

Getting some sun on your skin throughout the day also helps your body take in vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption and healthy bone growth.

Biophilic design is the practice of connecting people and nature. Try incorporating it into your home environment with some new furniture additions. Think wooden chairs, wicker baskets or rugs made from natural fibres like jute, rattan or bamboo.

They can invite a fresh, natural atmosphere into your home. As an added bonus, picking them up from local designers or craft markets is a great way to support your local economy. 

Natural DIY art is simple, free (or relatively cheap) and a great outlet to express your creativity.

Picking up seashells from the beach is a great place to start. Try displaying them in shelves, bowls holding loose change, or even on keyrings. If you’ve got a knack for crafts, you can even create your own hanging mobile.

If you prefer a more grounded approach, try putting together a terrarium. Start by filling a small glass bowl, jar or transparent container with a few small decorative plants on a bed of crushed rock, sand, soil and pebbles. Not only does it add elegance and class to your room, it also makes a perfect gift. Greenery is even better when it’s shared.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances

Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.