Bringing Nature Indoors

Happy Earth Day!
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Getting in touch with nature is an excellent way to stay connected with your body, mind, and soul. Whenever I’m feeling unmotivated, I try to get outside. Whether it be going for a walk or sitting in a park, being outdoors tends to calm my mind and soothe my soul. But what if you spend most of your day indoors? How can you incorporate the benefits of nature when you’re out of the element?  

• Open The Windows- Allow sunlight in. Not only is opening up the curtains and letting sunlight into your office or home economical, it also leads to higher levels of productivity according to a study lead by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Natural light also promotes a better mood. If possible, let the fresh air in too. Furniture, carpets, and other household items emit “off-gasses.” These off-gasses pollute your home air quality and have been linked to many illnesses. It’s important to circulate fresh air into your home as often as possible. I try to air out my home for a couple of hours each day by opening up the windows. To read more about off-gasses, check out this link: https://www.custommade.com/blog/off-gassing/
• Invest In Houseplants- Houseplants are a great way to bring nature into your home. As you know, plants absorb carbon dioxide and create oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Keep in mind, this process only happens during the daytime when there’s sunlight. Most plants do the opposite at night by taking in oxygen and releasing carbon monoxide. There are a few select plants that keep producing oxygen all throughout the night. I would suggest adding these plants to your bedroom to increase oxygen flow while you sleep: Aloe Vera, Orchids, Areca Palm, and Sansevieria Trifasciata Zeylanica AKA Snake Plants.
• Think Natural Elements- When designing or decorating your home, think about how you can incorporate natural elements into the design. Materials such as cotton, wood, stone, and brick all bring a rustic, outdoorsy feel to your home. Think about ways you can incorporate these natural elements into your home while maintaining your own unique style. Ideas may include adding refurbished wood furniture to your living room, a pile of freshly chopped wood next to your fireplace, or switching out your bed sheets to organic cotton sheets.
• Windowsill Herb Garden- Creating a windowsill herb garden is the perfect way to bring nature indoors. Not only is it fun to grow, but it will inspire you to create healthy dishes with your fresh herbs. When planting a windowsill herb garden, choose herbs that are easy to grow in this type of setting. I would suggest herbs such as basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
• Enjoy Fresh fruits & Vegetables- Eating fresh, preferably organic, produce. Eating a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to nourish your body, mind and soul while connecting back to nature. Practice mindful eating. Think about where the produce came from. Show gratitude to mother nature for providing you with delicious, wholesome produce. Feel good for fueling your body with nourishing foods!
• Get Out- Whenever possible, “take a breather.” Get outside! Go for a walk, sit on the porch with a good book, bring your dog to the dog park. Try to get outside at least once a day, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.