Plants need 3 basic things to survive: water + nutrients + sun. Sound familiar? Maybe we don't need the sun to produce photosynthesis, but natural light does control our circadian rhythm.
ok so we are a little more complicated...
But we all do thrive when nature is around us. Our dose of nature can vary from being with people, pets, or in the outdoors. We can bring nature indoors, so we have a piece of it with us, in the comfort of our homes.
As I mentioned above, natural light is crucial to our mental and physical system. During the winter you may have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Did you know that while you enjoy the sun on your skin, your body is lowering your blood pressure and improving heart health?
When thinking of natural light in our homes, keep in mind that north facing windows won't get direct sunlight. You want to look for a home with south, and east or west facing windows to maximize the natural light in your space.
While on the topic of windows, lets move onto the breeze coming in through them. We all know we need air, as do plants. But for people in urban centres like ourselves, the air quality is not as good as it would be in the mountains. Even so, a summer breeze is a connection with nature, and fresh air can circulate throughout your home.
Air purifiers can help reduce the pollutants in the air, but for smaller toxic particles, plants can help.
Some plants have "air cleaning" properties, and can help reduce the toxins in your air. (Mind you would need a LOT of these plants). Some of these plants include some Palms, Ficus robusta and Ficus alii, Dracaena Janet Craig, Philodendrons, Spider plant, Pothos,
Boston Fern, Snake plants, and Peace Lily.
Windows with a view, especially a green natural view, is another way to connect with nature and reap its benefits. We all prefer a view with trees, or rolling green hills, over another building wall. While this isn't always possible to achieve, you can add hanging plants from your window, or potted plants on the window sill.
Lastly, knowing now how good being with nature is for us, let's consider the next step - bringing nature into our lives for calmness and bringing out our creativity. Using natural materials in our homes and in our daily life brings a sense of comfort over fabricated materials. Instead of plastic side tables - swap for a wood one like above. Instead of plastic plant pots, try rattan, hand made ceramic, or terracotta pots. Using stone, wood, brick, and even clays on our walls (even as accent walls) brings a sense of nature into that space. Swapping for natural materials like wool, linen, and bamboo are great materials to look for when shopping.
You may have noticed copper is a trend that comes and goes, but it has actually been used for a very long time as an antibacterial material. High touch surfaces in kitchens, or bathroom facets, copper becomes more than just a trend. It is a material with purpose.
Being with nature is more than just having plants in your space:
But yes plants are great to have in your space for comfort and air quality.
Choose a space that allows natural light to enter your home, and office if possible.
Choose natural materials to surround yourself with.
People and pets are also a part of nature, enjoy your space and time with those that make you happy.
Get outside whenever possible.
*all photos are credit to wix media
Comments