Bringing the outdoors inside to avoid the blues

Winter is only a few months away. And winter typically means spending less time outdoors.

But spending time outdoors has such a positive impact on our mental state.

So I've been thinking about ways to stay sane during this pandemic once winter arrives and we lose some of that precious outdoor time.

Luckily for us, research shows that the brain can be easily tricked in this regard. All the benefits of being in nature outside (e.g. reducing stress, boosting our immune system, improving our mood and physical health, enhancing focus and clarity, etc.) can also be achieved by bringing nature into our homes.

Studies show that just looking at nature (or something the brain associates with nature) can improve our mental state.

Here are some ideas on how you can bring nature indoors, so you can get your ever-so-important nature fix at all times:

• start an indoor herb garden
• place potted plants (real or fake!) throughout your home and treat yourself to bouquets of fresh flower
• hang up photos and paintings of nature scenes
• listen to nature sounds or nature-based meditation
• bring more natural materials into your home
• bring in emblems of nature, such as leaves, cones, stones, and twigs
• use colors of nature throughout your home: leaf green, earth brown, taupe, sky blue, fall leaves orange, or soft cream
• install a water feature
• open your blinds and windows and let fresh air in.
  

Let me know if any of these ideas resonate with you, or if you have additional suggestions.

Best,
Christine

P.S. Want to enjoy the benefits of yoga, but don't know where to start? Download your FREE Starter Guide to Yoga: