The snow is finally falling, and gray days are here. That means it is an important time to bring nature into your work and home space and increase your sense of well-being. And that’s not just our opinion.
Artwork and Sound
Adding nature-themed art and photography brings warmth and serenity. For a complete sensory experience, add recorded nature sounds like flowing streams or chirping birds (cats love that one!)
Here’s an interesting study: researchers at John Hopkins University found that people who were exposed to nature sounds and images during surgery reported significantly decreased levels of anxiety and pain.
Plants
Adding just one plant into a space can make a big difference in how you feel. Use interesting containers to add your own personality. And strategically placed large plants as effective room dividers.
Here’s some more interesting data: researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have been studying the effects of plants in interior spaces for the last 15 years. In one study, they found that people who had plants in their office reduced stress levels and negative feelings by 30 to 60%, while those with no plants recorded increases in stress and negativity of 20 to 40%.
Herb Gardens
Enhance your kitchen with an herb garden. Beautiful vintage wood crates make wonderful homes for easy-to-grow rosemary and thyme. And don’t forget the lavender, which has beautiful flowers, a wonderful scent and gives a delicate flavor to cooking.
And for our last piece of research: scientists at the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre in the U.K. found that higher blood levels of one of rosemary’s main chemical compounds – absorbed from its aroma – is linked to improved cognitive performance in terms of speed and accuracy.
