nature indoors and out

How to Benefit from Nature: Inside and Out

Photo by Jan Canty on Unsplash

This month’s Biofriendly DIY is all about how to benefit from nature both inside and out. Now, when I say inside and out, I mean a few things. I mean how nature can be beneficial to you inside the home as well as outside the home. I also mean, and maybe more importantly, how nature can help you gain further appreciation for the environment around you, expand your horizons, lower your stress levels, improve your overall well-being and soothe your inner soul.

Nature’s Benefits Inside the Home

Nature has countless benefits. Some of the simplest benefits inside the home can be accomplished by bringing a bit of nature indoors.

For example, you can have plants throughout your home. Certain plants have been credited with improving indoor air quality, while others are known to be extremely therapeutic. If you’ve ever had plants in your home, you are probably well aware of the countless benefits of indoor plants.

Nature can also be used to help air out your home and remove harmful toxins which tend to build up over time. Opening doors and windows can give you a literal breath of fresh air.

During the holidays, nature can be used to make creative decorations around the home. Pumpkins, large and small, are often used for Halloween decor. Pinecones, branches, berries, fallen leaves and other items can be put on mantles, used as centerpieces and more. If you want a little nature all year long, a living wall may be right for you. The options are limitless.

Having bits of nature throughout your home, as well as clean, fresh air flowing through, can help brighten your mood and lift your spirits. Give it a try and see what it can do for you.

Why You Should Get Outdoors

Whether you’ve found yourself doing more or less work right now, it’s still important you get a little downtime. You need to physically step away from your day-to-day routine. Talk away from your computer or screens. Take the time to unplug and get outdoors. Trust me when I say you’ll be thankful you did.

Sometimes even just stepping outside for a few minutes to look around can ease your mind, lower your stress level and allow you to decompress. Watch the trees blowing in the wind. Take a look at the flowers growing along the side of the road. Admire the birds flying high in the sky. See if you can spot any cool figures in the clouds overhead (you used to do it as a kid, so I know you know how). Spot something you’d never have seen if you hadn’t taken the time to look around.

Then, while you’re outside, take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Go for a walk. Hop on bike and take a ride. There are numerous health and environmental benefits to riding your bike, taking a walk, going on a hike, getting some exercise and just soaking in the beauty of nature all around.

Being outdoors will help you reconnect with nature and increase your appreciation for the environment, as well as the need for its protection too. While you’re out there, you may even find yourself getting inspired to plant a tree, grow some vegetables in your own garden, or create an eco-friendly haven where nature can thrive.

3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Overall Health and Well-Being Through Nature

If you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, which I’m sure applies to us all in one degree or another, here are three ways nature can help you get the job done:

1. Plan getting outside into your daily schedule

No matter how busy your day is, incorporate a little time in nature into your schedule. It doesn’t have to be the same time every day, although it may help those who like to establish a routine. Schedule at least 15-30 minutes a day at the bare minimum.

You can do activities like going for a walk, riding your bike, taking a hike, sitting outside under the stars or whatever suits your fancy. The key is to get outdoors and, while you’re doing so, put your attention on the world around you. Don’t think about work. Don’t stress over problems you may have. Let nature wash around you and help you decompress. Besides, the fresh air will do you good.

2. Give back to the environment around you

Sometimes benefits can be gained from giving back. One easy way to improve your overall health and well-being is to give back to nature.

Plant a garden where you can grow your own food. Even planting a variety of flowers can create a beautiful space for you to enjoy, as well as provide a safe habitat for beneficial animals and insects.

You can create a compost bin and use it to provide extra nutrients to your garden and the trees around your house. This, in turn, will help your fruit and vegetables grow so you can eat healthy, organic food. If you really want to get into it, you can even create your own permaculture food forest.

In addition, getting down and dirty in the garden is a great way to clear your mind and take advantage of some natural aromatherapy.

3. Bring a little nature indoors

Last, but not least, bring a little nature indoors. While getting outside is a vital necessity, and something we all need to do, you shouldn’t negate the importance of bringing nature inside.

Open your doors and windows often to let out stale air and bring in fresh, clean air. This will help improve indoor air quality and improve health.

Get a couple of plants to have around the home. Certain plants are known for their ability to remove toxins from the environment, so would be a great addition to any living space.

While there are countless ways to benefit from nature, these are a few ways each of us can do so without a lot of effort. My guess is you’ll really start to see the benefits, both inside and out, when you reconnect with nature.

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