Posted by A growing body of research suggests that connecting with nature can have be beneficial in many different ways. Here are just a few of the things that nature can help with.
Nature Drives Creativity
Researchers found that just four days in nature increased performance on a creative problem-solving task by 50%.
Another study found that adding flowers and plants to an office increased creative ideas by 15% . (Having plants in the office can also help soothe stressed staff, reduce sick days and enhance heart health.) And there are many more studies showing that spending time outdoors can boost your creativity.
If you want to use nature to give your imagination a boost, try taking a five minute wildlife spotting break.
Better yet, eat lunch outdoors or, if you work with other people, have a meeting outside to ensure everyone benefits. You could also get a sustainable growing kit for the office kitchen and grow your own salad for lunch.
Nature Motivates
If you run your own company, and want to increase staff motivation, nature can help too. Gone are the days when spending every hour in the office is a marker of success. Nowadays, more people demand work/life balance – and prioritise working for companies that have strong brand ethics. Increasing engagement with nature offers an ideal way to improve employee satisfaction, alongside opportunities to help the world.
Nature Reduces Stress
If you’re feeling fatigued, and are able to get outdoors, nature can help. Forest bathing is often featured in the media, and there’s a wealth of research into its benefits.
Take photos of your favourite nature scenes to scroll through when you’re stuck indoors or in need of a boost.
And if you feel frazzled, head outside rather than grabbing another coffee. Have plants on your desk too, if you are able to and your office-mates don’t have allergies either. I’m a big fan of rosemary as it smells great, has pretty flowers, and is a handy ingredient to have around.
Nature Increases Focus
An urban environment can be full of distractions, but some research suggests that nature can enhance attention restoration.
The addition of a green roof can help boost productivity too – as can looking at pictures of nature for as little as 40 seconds. You may want to change you screensaver for a natural scene…
If you need to solve a tricky problem, go for a walk rather than working all hours. Take breaks to improve your productivity – and health.
Nature Boosts Mood
Spending time connecting with nature has been shown to enhance happiness and soothe anxiety. An Australian study found that exposure to plants can reduce anxiety by 38% and depression by 58%.
Nature connection has been shown to reduce ‘rumination‘ too. There are also microbes in soil that have antidepressant qualities, so get gardening for an even more effective nature fix.
A shared garden can be a great way to enhance everyone’s health – and growing together can build a sense of community. Check out the Transition Towns movement to see if they have a community allotment near you. If not, and you have the energy, consider setting one up.
If you’re more of a solitary person, keeping a nature diary, tracking cloud types, weather, creatures spotted (spiders count, if you can’t get outdoors) and any other aspect of nature that interests you can provide a mood boost.
Nature Enhances Health
Repeated studies have shown that exposure to nature is good for the body. It gives you an easy route to ‘invisible exercise’ (where you’re so busy having fun that you forget you’re getting fitter).
Having one plant in the office for every three employees reduces the CO2 inhaled by employees by 50%- and cleaner air leads to healthier staff. Nature exposure has also been linked to reduced inflammation and numerous other benefits.
To get a nature fix while you’re at work or stuck indoors, try cloud watching through a window. How many types of cloud can you name?
If you have more time, and live/work close enough to a pond or canal, feed the ducks and other waterfowl.
Best of all, add a nature walk to your daily routine. Even noting three things in nature each day has been shown to have benefits: imagine how much benefit a daily 15 minute walk or window-gazing/houseplant tending session could have.
With so many advantages, connecting with nature is an obvious way to add at least a little more joy to you life. Get outdoors (and bring the outdoors indoors) to reap the rewards.
If you need ideas for ways to connect with nature, along with the latest research into the benefits of nature exposure, buy Go Wild! Over 200 Ways to Connect With Nature (99p)
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