The Health Benefits of Bringing Nature Indoors

Bringing the sights and sounds of nature into our homes can enliven our space—and our health

Researchers found evidence that plants enhance work performance and reduce stress.Followtheflow/Shutterstock

Think back to the last time you felt rejuvenated. Chances are you weren’t lounging on your couch or at a desk. You likely weren’t inside at all. For many people, it’s the great expanse of nature that calls us back to ourselves. Stormy skylines, mountain tops seen from afar, the feel of the wind in our hair, and the sounds of birds enliven our senses and cultivate a natural feeling of wonder.

Nature is an elixir of health and well-being, but even the most nature-oriented people spend much of their lives indoors. When we bring components of the natural world into our homes, we can enjoy some of the benefits of nature—even when we can’t get outside. Here are some research-backed ways to unlock the natural world indoors as a tool for healthy living.

Prioritizing House Plants

The first thing most people associate with the great outdoors is plant life. In the era of urbanization, many community plans now prioritize green spaces and parks. Researchers know that experiencing these spaces has several benefits. It makes sense then, that the more we can make our indoor space like the outdoors, the more we can enjoy some of these benefits while indoors.