Nature and Emotional Health
When you were young, did your mother or father ever tell you to, “Go outside and get some fresh air”? Unfortunately, many people have forgotten that wise instruction.
Studies show that people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. And what’s wrong with that? Without contact with nature, stress levels build in the body and our mental health suffers.
There is a science behind the rejuvenation of a long walk through the woods. According to biologist Edward O. Wilson in his book Biophilia, humans crave connection with other forms of life, including nature.
As modern innovation continues to pour our time into technology rather than a connection with the outside world, our emotional stability crumbles.
Why Bring Nature Inside?
Adding a few houseplants to your bedroom or living room has numerous benefits. One of these is better air quality. Through photosynthesis, plants provide life-giving oxygen to the world. They also release moisture vapor and increase humidity.
The Clean Air Study performed by NASA found that houseplants can remove volatile organic compounds from indoor air.
The plants have the incredible ability to capture these pollutants in their leaves, convert them into stored energy, and release naturally filtered air.
In this way, they work better to rid the environment of harmful toxins that are too small to be seen!
Plants are also beautiful and come in varying shapes and sizes. They add a pop of color to a room, and the green of their foliage is refreshing and calming.
But even if you can’t be trusted to keep houseplants alive, there are other ways to incorporate the calming benefit of nature into your home.
Ways to Add Nature to your Home
Ready to experience the benefit of nature in your home?
- Houseplants – Ferns, palms, aloe vera, and focus are the best picks for their beauty, longevity, and ease of care. Aloe vera can even be used for home remedies.
Place a potted plant on your counter or in the corner of your living room to add a pop of color. If you have little floor space, hang a fern or two from ceiling hooks. Make sure to consider sunlight when placing foliage and water as needed.
- Paintings – Jean Larson and Mary Jo Kreitzer from the University of Minnesota have attested that viewing nature scenes reduces stress, fear, and anger.
Be immersed in the beauty of a scene you may never get to see in person. Bring it into your world and experience its magic. Artwork in all forms affects our moods and increases our appreciation of color and elegance.
Paintings of nature scenes, especially, are known to create peace in the mind and depth of emotion, leading to calmness and rest.
- Furniture – Wood furniture is durable, recyclable, and beautiful, making it a wonderful way to add a touch of nature, warmth, and texture to your space.
You can either choose a simplistic, straight-out-of-the-woods style or go for a more decorated finish. Wood is a great option because it can last a lifetime, and reduces CO2 emissions.
You can feel good about your purchase because it’s helping both you and the environment.
- Stones – Add a few crystals, rocks, or jewels to the bottom of a vase or shelf to incorporate the beauty of the natural earth into your design. Many believe that these stones can be used to uplift, heal, and attract wishes.
Whether these effects are true or not, the beauty of crystals is enough reason to keep them around. Each reflects a different hue and shape. They provide sensory relaxation when held, depending on their smoothness or texture.
Place them in a bowl, on a shelf, or in a frame. You can even buy specific crystal holders to go on your desk or counter.
- Textures – Incorporate floral and earthy patterns into your bedding, curtains, rugs, and towels to connect you with the outdoors.
Look for natural fibers such as cotton and flax because they are better for you and more sustainable for the environment.
Nature is Powerful
If you doubt the power of nature in our lives, take a moment away from your devices to hike in the woods. Immerse yourself in the calm serenity of a warm summer day or a cold winter’s evening.
Listen to the wind cascade through the branches and the river gurgle its melodies. Crunch through the grass and leaves and inhale the scent of dirt and pine.
The loosening of your shoulder blades and the deep stretch of your legs prove you’re alive and alert. You’ll return refreshed and rejuvenated.
But, if you can’t put yourself in the wild, bring the wild into your home alongside you through the tips provided here. Enjoy its comforting presence and reconnect with the energy you had playing in the garden as a child.
