Whether you have five minutes by a window or twenty outside, you can connect with outdoors and the nature on your doorstep.
Caring can be all-consuming — and it often means staying indoors more than you’d like. But even brief moments of connection with nature can boost your mood, lower stress levels, and help you feel more grounded.
You don’t need to travel to the countryside or go on long walks to feel the benefits. Whether you have five minutes by a window or twenty on your local street, nature is often closer than we think.
5 Easy Ways to bring the outdoors inside
- Create a Nature Spot by the Window
Designate a windowsill or corner to display natural items like plants, stones, or seasonal decorations. This visual connection to nature can provide a calming effect and a sense of continuity with the outdoors. Studies have shown that indoor plants can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
- Watch the Sky
Spend a few minutes observing the sky, noting cloud formations, colors, and the movement of birds. Sky-gazing can foster mindfulness and a sense of peace. Engaging with natural scenes, even visually, has been associated with reduced stress levels.
- Listen to Nature Sounds
Play recordings of natural sounds such as bird songs, rainfall, or ocean waves. Listening to nature sounds has been shown to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. A study found that exposure to natural sounds can facilitate recovery after psychological stress.
Try out our suggestions for mood-improving music and nature sounds, and learn why sounds are such a powerful tool for lifting your mood, by clicking here.
- Try Indoor Gardening
Cultivate indoor plants or herbs like basil and mint. Engaging in indoor gardening can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of accomplishment. Research supports the notion that indoor gardening can have a positive impact on mental health, including stress reduction and improved mood
- Put Up a Bird Feeder or Bug Hotel
Install a bird feeder or create a bug hotel near a window to attract wildlife. Observing birds and insects can enhance mood and provide a connection to the natural world. Birdwatching has been associated with reduced stress and improved mental health.
Small Ways to Step Outside (When You Can)
- Walk With Your Senses
Take a short walk focusing on sensory experiences—what you see, hear, smell, and feel. This practice, known as a sensory walk, can reduce stress and increase mindfulness. Sensory walks can help improve mood and provide a sense of focus and calm.
- Touch Something Natural
During your walk, touch tree bark, leaves, or flowers. Physical contact with natural elements can ground you in the present moment and alleviate anxiety. Engaging with nature through touch can enhance sensory experiences and promote relaxation.
- Sit Outside With a Cup of Tea
Enjoy a hot beverage while sitting in a garden, on a balcony, or even near an open window. This simple act can provide a restful break and a chance to absorb natural surroundings. Spending time in nature and engaging in regular walking can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a calm and peaceful state of mind.
- Notice Micro-Nature
Pay attention to small natural details like insects, patterns in leaves, or the texture of tree bark. Observing these can foster a sense of wonder and connection to the environment. Even brief moments of connection with nature can boost your mood and help you feel more grounded
- Take a Breathing Walk
Combine walking with focused breathing exercises. This practice can enhance relaxation and improve mood. Walking regularly can help ease symptoms related to chronic mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need to venture far to reap the benefits of nature. Simple, mindful interactions with the natural world—whether through a window, in your home, or during a brief walk—can significantly enhance your well-being.
Connecting with nature boosts both mental and physical health, but understanding what it is you’re looking at can also increase your enjoyment of nature itself.
Below, we have listed some helpful guides, for all ages, so you can learn more about all the surrounding wildlife – even that through your window.
- Woodlands Trust - Fun resources and identification guides
