Enjoying Nature Without Leaving Home

Picture this scene: You're stretched out under a cozy blanket, sipping a mug of hot cocoa as you look out at a sun-drenched meadow. Sheep are scattered dotting the grassy hills, a babbling brook runs just beyond your line of sight, and the sun is brilliant in its light blue sky. The only thing missing? You're not actually outdoors!

You don't have to forgo the calming effects of nature just because you spend most days in an office or in the same room. By following a few key tips, you can still reap the benefits of being in the great outdoors without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

One of the best ways to bring yourself closer to nature without leaving your house is to add plants to your decor. Having houseplants can oxygenate the air around you, energize you with their vibrant colors, require your attention and careful nurturing as they grow, and reduce stress and anxiety. Whether it's a hanging pothos vine draped gracefully over a bookshelf or a snake plant sporting its unmistakable sword shape on the windowsill, adding some greenery to your decor could be just what you need for a touch of relaxation in your everyday life.

If plants aren't quite your thing but you're still yearning for natural scenery and sounds, why not add a water fountain or pond to your backyard? If you've got ample yard space, and building one appeals to you, constructing a small pond with a fountain may be a good option. This can be especially calming during those days when stress levels are higher than usual. Small fountains placed among indoor plants or on window sills can also do the trick!

Computer screens and televisions can also be used to transport you out of the city and into nature for a bit. Watching documentaries about faraway places such as jungles, coral reefs and mountaintops may help quench your wanderlust, while more sci-fi edifying shows like Planet Earth can provide breathtaking aerial views that may inspire serenity. Even looking at images from a distance—say, thunderstorm clouds billowing far away—can be a familiar phrase into the peace that nature provides.

You may want to consider downloading different sound apps for nature relaxation. These apps often provide recordings of rainstorms, waterfall sounds, ocean tides crashing against rocks and more. These sounds can help to drown out any daily distractions that may hinder your chance at true peace of mind. You can listen to them in the background while you work or simply relax in silence as they do their magic.

Whether you opt for images, sounds or even tangible elements like plants, immersing yourself in nature in the comfort of your own home is totally possible. Now that you've got these ideas, take some time to hang up a backdrop of the beach or experiment with indoor plants until you find one that fits perfectly into your style. Soon enough you'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature no matter how far away from them you are!