There’s a reason why so many people take walks to clear their heads and boost their moods. Nature has numerous healing effects on the mind and body. As such, it only makes sense to bring the outdoors into your home.
Your home is a sanctuary of sorts — a safe place for you to unwind and find comfort. If you’re wondering why nature is important and how to create an earth-inspired environment indoors, these suggestions may pique your interest.
How Nature Benefits Your Health
Greenhouse gas emissions significantly contribute to climate change while posing severe threats to public health. In fact, scientists estimate that poor air quality causes 100,000-200,000 annual deaths in the U.S. annually.
Nature has proven itself a remedy to this crisis by purifying the atmosphere — plants and soils sequester one-third of carbon emissions from the fossil fuels industry every decade. People’s physical health can improve by clearing the air of harmful toxins.
Research has also shown several mental health benefits of nature. Spending only 120 minutes outdoors weekly can greatly enhance your mental well-being — that’s because the brain produces more serotonin when you’re outside, which helps balance your mood.
Sunlight exposure also increases vitamin D levels in the body, which improves nutrient absorption and immunity.
5 Ways Bring More Nature Into Your Home
Bringing the outdoors into your living quarters is easier and more cost-effective than you think. Here are five recommendations for a more earthy indoor environment.
1. Open the Windows
Spring and summer are the perfect times to open your windows and ventilate the house. You may not realize it but paint and everyday household products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that put your health at risk. Older homes especially may contain mold, lead, asbestos or invisible gases.
Cracking a window helps remove allergens and toxins that would otherwise affect your respiratory system or cause headaches and sinus inflammation.
2. Start an Indoor Herb Garden
Did you know that food transportation accounts for 19% of agricultural emissions? Fortunately, you can easily grow herbs indoors for a healthy source of ingredients with a lower environmental footprint.
New hydroponic gardening kits have also made it easier to grow other types of produce inside your home year-round. Imagine picking tomatoes from your hydroponic setup in your dining room in the middle of winter.
3. Become a Proud Plant Parent
Of course, you can fill your home with a variety of beautiful houseplants, which will help purify your indoor air quality naturally.
Recent studies have suggested that houseplants remove pollutants and bacterial infections from the air, which could prove beneficial for controlling COVID-19 transmission. Additionally, plants help regulate indoor humidity levels for greater comfort.
4. Hang Nature Photography
Scientists recently examined how photographs of natural environments affect people with anxiety and depression, stress and various mood states. Their findings show that nature photography has therapeutic effects on your mental health and could be a viable option for treatment plans.
Turn your photography passion into decorative art, adorning your walls with photographs of natural landscapes. Also, look for paintings that depict natural settings like the ocean, a forest or a mountain range. Looking at these pictures will induce a greater sense of calm.
5. Paint in Earthy Tones
Nature colors could inspire you to paint your interior walls and decorate your home in earthy tones. Depending on how you integrate outdoor hues inside, you may begin associating lounging in your living room as a natural escape.
There are numerous muted shades to choose from for a relaxing home. For instance, light beige or off-white walls will allow organic wood furniture and greenery to stand out. Otherwise, you may choose a saturated blue-grey like the ocean or a khaki green accent wall.
There are many benefits to bringing nature into your home. Some of the most common benefits include:
– Improved air quality: Plants help to purify the air in your home by removing pollutants and toxins.
– Reduced stress levels: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
– Increased productivity: Studies have also shown that people who work in environments with natural elements are more productive than those who work in environments without natural elements.
– Improved sleep quality: The presence of plants in your bedroom can help to improve sleep quality by reducing noise and providing a calming environment.
– Increased creativity: Studies have shown that people who are exposed to nature are more creative than those who are not.
There are many ways to bring nature into your home. Some of the most common ways include:
– Adding plants: Plants are a great way to bring nature into your home. You can choose from a variety of plants to suit your needs and preferences.
– Using natural materials: Using natural materials in your home decor can help to create a more natural and inviting atmosphere. Some examples of natural materials include wood, stone, and bamboo.
– Adding natural elements: You can also add natural elements to your home by incorporating things like water features, fountains, and aquariums.
– Spending time outdoors: One of the best ways to bring nature into your home is to spend time outdoors. You can do this by opening your windows, sitting on your porch, or taking a walk in your yard.
When choosing plants for your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
– The amount of sunlight your home receives: Some plants need more sunlight than others. Make sure to choose plants that will thrive in the amount of sunlight your home receives.
– The size of your home: Some plants can grow quite large. If you have a small home, choose smaller plants that will not take up too much space.
– Your personal preferences: Choose plants that you like and that will add to the overall look and feel of your home.
he best way to care for your plants is to learn about their individual needs. Some plants need more water than others, while others need more sunlight. It is important to water your plants regularly and to fertilize them as needed. You should also inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases.
Some common mistakes people make when bringing nature into their home include:
– Choosing plants that are not suited to their environment: Make sure to choose plants that will thrive in the amount of sunlight and water your home receives.
– Not watering their plants regularly: Plants need water to survive. Make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
– Not fertilizing their plants: Plants need nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilize your plants as needed to help them grow strong and healthy.
– Not inspecting their plants regularly: Pests and diseases can damage your plants. Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases and take steps to treat them if you find any.
