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You don't always have to go on a big hiking trip or even go out of town to connect with nature. In fact, you can get a taste of the great outdoors without even having to leave your home! With the pandemic, many people do not want to risk going out and getting sick, or are not allowed to do so, so they have had to be more creative with their time. The lockdown forced us to learn to enjoy simple things again, like connecting with nature and slowing down a bit.
You may be wondering how you can bring the outdoors indoors so you don't have to risk being exposed to airborne viruses or allergens. Of course, you cannot enjoy activities like hiking and adventure sports in the comfort of your living room, but you can bring the healing properties of nature into your home. Next, we'll see how you can reap the benefits of the great outdoors without even going outside.
"In every walk with nature, you get much more than you are looking for." - John Muir
HERE ARE SEVEN WAYS TO CONNECT WITH NATURE (WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOME):
1. BUY SOME INDOOR PLANTS.
Indoor plants not only look beautiful, but they also have many health benefits! Adding plants to your décor brings a slice of nature indoors, while helping to purify the air and boost negative ions into the environment. Negative ions, ironically, help us feel more positive and vibrant by increasing oxygen flow to the brain.
You have likely experienced this sensation while walking on the beach or in the mountains, absorbing the energy of tens of thousands of negative ions. Indoor plants contain fewer negative ions, but they are still enough to improve your mood and make you feel more energetic. Here are some other benefits of indoor plants:
- they remove airborne toxins such as allergens, dust, and mold
- help you feel more relaxed and calm
- indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity
- caring for plants gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment
If you've been losing your connection to nature, buy some plants, to reap the benefits of the outdoors without ever leaving your home.
2. LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ON YOUR PHONE OR BUY A SOUND MACHINE.
If you can't get out to a waterfall or beach, bring those healing sounds straight into your home for similar benefits. Whether you find a relaxing YouTube video or buy a sound machine with sounds of nature, you will feel more calm and connected to the Earth. Today, you have dozens of options to choose from to bring the power and tranquility of nature to your ears right from your bed or sofa.
Of course, it doesn't compare to experiencing nature scenes in person, but if you're not comfortable traveling to these places right now, the sounds can provide some of the same rewards.
3. HAVE SOME ESSENTIAL OILS ON HAND.
Essential oils are a great way to connect with nature while helping you with various ailments, such as anxiety or depression. Here are some of the most popular essential oils, as well as the conditions they treat:
MINT:
This oil can help stomach conditions, such as IBS or Crohn's disease. It also helps with headaches and nausea.
LAVENDER:
Perhaps one of the most popular oils, lavender can treat mental disorders such as anxiety and depression due to the calming effect it has on the nervous system. Some researchers say that it can also help with sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
TEA TREE:
This oil has many antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat wounds, control dandruff and eliminate lice. It can also be used to treat athlete's foot.
BERGAMOT:
This oil can help relieve stress and relieve chronic pain and inflammation.
CHAMOMILE:
Used in many teas designed to help people fall asleep faster, chamomile can relieve anxiety and stress, as well as help with sleep disorders.
JASMINE:
This oil not only smells lovely but is used in many desserts due to its sweet taste. It can be used as an antidepressant, sedative, and antiseptic.
EUCALYPTUS:
Eucalyptus oil can help remove mold odors, as well as relieve coughs and other cold symptoms.
YLANG YLANG:
This can help reduce tension and stress due to its light floral scent, which helps ease the mind of worries.
4. WATCH MOVIES / TELEVISION SHOWS OR READ BOOKS ON NATURE THEMES.
Another great way to fight cabin fever, books and TV shows can transport you to another world away from your living room or bed. Of course, it won't feel the same as going out into nature yourself, but sometimes watching it on our TV or phone can provide some of the same benefits. In fact, some studies have shown that even looking at nature can increase positive emotions and improve brain function.
Since we evolved around abundant plant and animal life, our modern environments do not satisfy our natural instincts. Many studies have shown that people in urban settings have worse mental health than those who reside in more rural areas. However, even if you live in a bustling city, you can always bring nature to you in movies and books. You will probably feel more relaxed, just watching beautiful nature scenes.
5. SPEND TIME IN YOUR BACK YARD.
You don't have to travel far to reap the benefits of nature - just walk out the back door and enjoy the sound of birds and the feel of fresh grass under your feet. Sit in an easy chair with a glass of ice cold lemonade and just enjoy the art of being for a while. It may not compare to Mt. Everest or the Caribbean Sea, but you can still enjoy the wonders of nature from your backyard.
You could even build a birdhouse if you want to attract more animal friends to your yard. Even if you don't consider yourself particularly skilled in carpentry, a quick search online can show you how to build one yourself. Use your downtime to enjoy the little things in life, like connecting with nature in your own home.
6. START A GARDEN.
Many people have used this time to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables, as the food supply seemed a bit uncertain at the beginning of the pandemic. Since many people did not have to go to work, they used this free time to learn to garden in order to be more self-reliant.
You don't even need a large space to grow your produce. Some people have also used 5 gallon containers found in hardware stores to grow their plants. Others chose to grow herbs on their windowsills or even use a kiddy pool to plant fresh food. Work with the space you have and make sure you grow with the seasons, so you have the best chance of producing a good harvest.
You don't need a green thumb to start gardening; With a little practice and effort, you'll have a harvest in no time.
7. DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH NATURE SCENES.
Cabin fever making you crazy? Do not worry; You can still enjoy nature in your own home by decorating your space with beautiful nature scenes. Buy tapestries that have nature, such as trees, mountains, and rivers. You can also buy paintings or pictures of nature, or even hang your photography of nature if it is your thing.
Get creative with the way you decorate - you don't have to take a lot of time or resources to remember the wonders of nature. Even a small plant or a cup of coffee with a few trees can invoke feelings of peace and joy. Do whatever it takes to remember how it feels to walk through a forest or see mountains for the first time. Make it feel cozy if you've spent more time in your home, and that way, you'll never want to leave!
FINAL REFLECTIONS ON HOW TO CONNECT WITH NATURE FROM YOUR OWN HOME
Oddly enough, you don't have to travel thousands or even hundreds of miles to enjoy the great outdoors. If you plant a garden, sit in your backyard enjoying the sounds of nature, or buy indoor plants, you can still connect with nature in your home. You can also buy essential oils that will relax your mind and help you relax, or buy paintings or photos of nature to hang around the house.
Finally, use the invention of technology by listening to the sounds of nature on your phone or watching TV shows on how to explore the great outdoors. Or you can go to your local library or download nature books. As you can see, you have many options to connect with nature without even having to get in your car!
