How can you bring more nature into your life if you don't have easy access to the outdoors?

No matter where you live, even if it is in a major city, it's still essential to find a way to either spend some time outside in nature or to bring natural elements to your home and daily life.

Active people with disabilities often talk about how complex getting out and staying active during the winter is. But, of course, it can be more complicated when dealing with things like rain, snow, and ice.

For entrepreneurs and people who work from home, it can be easy to forget to take breaks throughout the day. In addition, staring at a screen all day takes its toll on our bodies and psyches.

According to studies, taking time for nature – even if it's just looking out the window at trees, wild plants, or green outdoor space – can improve not only your mood, lower stress and blood pressure, but also increase productivity. In addition, it is a great family activity, and children of all ages enjoy it.

Here are some ideas to try and bring some of the power and beauty of the natural world into your home interiors.

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Plants.

One example is using potted plants to bring the outdoor world inside.

If you don't have a lot of space or it's too chilly to be outside, bringing live plants into your house is a beautiful way to decorate. Not only do they purify the air, but caring for plants has been shown in numerous studies to help decrease stress and anxiety.

Bring in some small natural plants, like ferns with fun delicate leaves, to liven up the work area of your work desk. Bring in an orchid if you're looking for something a little more exotic.

Not only will these plants bring some life to your space, but they will also help improve the quality of the air you breathe. And who doesn't want that?

Take a daily nature walk break.

Whenever you have a chance, even if it's just for five minutes, step outside and take in some fresh air. If you work in a high-rise, try to find a park or small pockets of nature, like a community garden or park nearby to walk through.

Natural light.

Open the window shades and curtains and let the sunshine flow.

Not only will it brighten up your space, but with more sunlight, you'll also get a dose of much-needed vitamin D.

If your workplace is a little dark, consider using a tiny lamp to brighten it up. You don't want to strain your eyes while getting work done. In addition, a little bit of extra light can genuinely make an impact on how comfortable and inviting your area seems.

Natural Elements.

Learn how to create a natural diffuser. Fill a small bowl with water and add a few drops of essential oil, like lavender, eucalyptus, or other natural scents. The heat from your computer will help diffuse the scent throughout the interior environment.

The scent of essential oils has improved moods and cognitive function. Try adding a diffuser to your home office to see if it makes a difference in your productivity.

Bring home freshly cut flowers.

Join groups local or online that have lessons in flower arrangements. There's nothing like the smell of freshly cut flowers to brighten up a room and bring in some nature. If you don't have a lot of time, stop by a grocery store or local florist on your way home and pick up a bouquet or two.

Arranging cut flowers is not only therapeutic, but it's also a great way to bring some nature into your home without having to go outside. There are a lot of online and local groups that offer flower arrangement lessons.

You can also find many videos resources on arranging flowers on YouTube. Having fresh flowers in your home can also brighten your mood and make you happier. Who doesn't love the smell of fresh flowers?

Make a DIY terrarium.

A terrarium is a great approach to keep plants in your house without worrying about them dying. You can make them in various shapes and sizes. With a little bit of soil, small stone, some small plants or cuttings, and a few sprigs of moss planted in the vessel of our choice and you have a beautiful miniature garden.

Take up gardening.

You may even start your garden in the smallest of outside areas. Then, while you play in the soil, you will get some fresh air, sun (or rain), and exercise, and you'll be able to grow delicious fruits or vegetables as well.

Grow Indoor herb gardens

Create an indoor garden. You may wonder at the ease and efficiency of gardening edible plants in the kitchen. Simple pots of herbs near a window are usually a great starting point.

Basil can be a straightforward choice with many good salad leaves, pesto, pasta, etc. Make a countertop area and window-ledge an open space to enjoy herbs such as rosemary, mint, and thyme.

Countertop hydroponic gardens are another excellent way of gardening inside. Or you might want to try a hanging planter garden. Hang it near a window in the kitchen, or even better outside, close to the kitchen where you can quickly grab and snip off what you need while cooking.

Get a pet.

Studies have shown that pet ownership reduces stress, blood pressure, and anxiety. If you're not ready for the responsibility of having a pet, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter instead. Bonus: Pets also offer us regular doses of exercise, which is essential for our mental and physical health.

Aquarium

An aquarium can bring a piece of the outdoors into your home, providing you with a constant source of relaxation and enjoyment. The sound of running water from an aquarium fountain can help mask unwanted noise, while the peaceful movement of the fish can help reduce stress and anxiety.

If you want a low-maintenance pet, an aquarium is a great choice. Fish are simple to care for and don't require much room.

Make time for nature walks.

Try to get outside for a walk, whether in the local park or the woods, whenever possible. Or go for a walk around your neighborhood. Walking through a parking lot nearby on your lunch break can be beneficial.

If you have difficulty getting out, try to bring nature to you by setting up a bird feeder or watching squirrels.

Attend outdoor events.

There are often outdoor concerts, festivals, and other events happening in parks and other natural areas. Check local online forums, social media, or your local newspaper to see what's coming up.

Connect with other people who love nature to enjoy nature more. You can do this by joining community hiking or birdwatching groups or following nature enthusiasts on social media. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors and make new friends too.

Listen to Nature Sounds.

Many websites and phone apps offer natural sounds, like rain, babbling brooks, or ocean waves crashing on the shore. Listen to them when you're working – or better yet, have them play in the background while you sleep at night for a more restful slumber. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes to close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature. It can be incredibly soothing.

Birds.

Listening to birds chirping outside is one of the simple pleasures in life. Set up a birdfeeder, and before you know it, you will have a variety of feathered friends stopping by for a visit. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but listening to their songs is a great way to relax and de-stress.

Natural Imagery.

Hang up paintings or photographs of beautiful places, landscapes, or animals. Look for a natural environment that makes you feel good and relaxed, and bring them into your house. There are various methods to include nature in your life, whether you live in the city or the country.

Nature documentaries.

Many great nature documentaries are both educational and entertaining. So if you're looking for a way to relax and learn something new, watch a nature documentary. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Conclusion.

These are a few suggestions for incorporating the natural world into your life. By bringing nature into your home, increase outdoor activities. Even small if you make some minor adjustments, they may improve your mood, boost your productivity and you will feel more connected to nature.

Do you have any favorite ways to bring nature into your home? Share them in the comments below!