We live in a stressful world where oftentimes there is no time to get out of the house and go back to nature, at least for a while. So why not bring nature to us instead?
Here are five wonderful ideas to try.
Planting an Outdoor Garden
If you want to create a natural environment at home, few things are better than planting an outdoor garden. Whether you decide on growing fruits, vegetables, or both, gardening is not only an interesting hobby and a means to relax but also a productive, cost-effective way to get essential foods for a healthy diet.
Two things to consider before you start are having enough space depending on what you choose to plant and making sure the circumstances are right. For instance, if you want to grow soybeans, a good idea would be to look into the best foliar fertilizers, locating a sunny spot for warm soil, and deciding on whether to use containers or a vegetable bed.
Having a Pet
Contrary to what most people think, nature is not only about plants, trees, and grass. It also includes animals. After all, the words fauna and flora are often interconnected when describing a natural ecosystem. As such, another great way to bring nature into your house is by having a pet.
Whether you live on your own or share your house with a tribe of family members and relatives, pets are still great companions. Also, among other things, pets can relieve depression and anxiety, provide sensory stress relief, and reduce muscle tension.
If you were to ask 100 people about the animal they would choose as a pet, probably more than 90 percent of them would say a dog or a cat. Yet, these are not the only options you have. You can also get a smaller animal like a rabbit or a hamster or a few goldfish to look at when you are stressed.
Indoor Plants and Herbs
Unlike having an outdoor garden, the purpose of indoor plants and herbs is not to have an alternative source of food. Of course, some herbs have medicinal properties and can be used either for tea or to spice up your favorite dishes. Still, the true value of buying a few plants for your house or apartment is measured by the health benefits they can provide.
We all know that plants are a source of oxygen and help maintain adequate humidity levels inside your property. As a result, they can not only aid you in breathing better but also make your body more relaxed and comfortable.
But what many people are not aware of is how important they are for your state of mind. Plants are, no pun intended, a natural soother that puts our brains in the right state and helps us focus and be more alert.
Furniture and Accessories
We live in an era defined by the speed at which things are done. From fast fashion to fast food and fast furniture, everything is replaceable in the blink of an eye, and things are nowhere near as valuable as they used to be.
If you visit one of the branches from giant clothing stores like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo and go back there a mere two weeks later, you will find that everything is different and that jacket or pair of shoes you bought a fortnight ago are nowhere to be seen. The same goes for Scandinavian furniture and home accessories shops, where trends come and go, and few things are meant to last.
Instead of buying a dining table made of plastic and painted brown to resemble a tree trunk, why not save a bit of money and purchase the real thing? Apart from the difference in quality, it will provide your house with a country, natural feeling, even if you live in the city.
Blending Spaces
Our last idea doesn’t involve buying things for your property. Rather, it is about changing things a bit to create natural environments people can go in and out of. In case you haven’t guessed it, we are talking about a seamless blend between outdoor and indoor spaces.
If you have a garden or patio, a wonderful choice would be to get rid of dividers such as walls and wooden doors and replace them with glass doors that can be opened and closed based on the weather. You could also make use of canopies, sunshades, and awnings to give your home a feeling of spaciousness. It is especially useful if you are having a barbecue with friends and family, and you need to be in constant movement between the kitchen, the living room, and the outside.
As we have seen, there are plenty of ways to bring nature closer to you. Even if you don’t have enough space or the financial resources to try them all, simply doing one or two will make a world of difference.
