We all have a general sense that nature is good for us, but would you be surprised to hear it can save your life? That’s not hyperbole - there is evidence that exposure to nature has tangible health benefits, including the potential to extend your life. Here we explore our relationship with our natural environment, and consider just how important it is to our lives and our health.
Here’s the science part
Most people would probably accept that a nature walk will help clear your head, and that the exercise is good for you. But there’s much more to it than that. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve short-term memory and concentration. It can also combat mental fatigue, stimulate creativity and sharpen thinking. And this isn’t just about getting out for a walk and some fresh air; the improvements are measured against people having a walk in an urban area.
There is also a stress-relief element to spending time in nature, which can lead to better mental health. Issues like anxiety and depression could be lessened by spending time surrounded by greenery - and the effects might be even greater around water.
But even further, nature can literally make you healthier, by reducing excessive inflammation, which can be a factor in a number of health problems. It may also help improve or maintain your vision, and provide a boost to your immune system. There is even some research to suggest that spending time in a forest might stimulate the production of anti-cancer proteins. All of this adds up to exposure to nature leading to longer, healthier lives.
With all those health benefits in mind, why not get out and spend a day in nature? You could start a habit of walking through some greenery at lunchtime, or cycling through a park, or along a waterway, during your commute.
Bring nature to work
Of course, for some, that’s not an option. Weather, location or other practicalities can make it difficult to commune with Mother Nature during the workweek - so what else can you do?
Give your office a biophilic makeover. Biophilia is the theory that people have an innate connection to nature. Organisations can harness that connection to make their office environments ones that encourage good physical and mental health in their employees. Research by, amongst others, Professor Sir Cary Cooper, shows significant improvements in both the health and performance of employees whose offices incorporate natural design elements.
Research into biophilic design shows that it can increase:
wellbeing
productivity
happiness
creativity
motivation
And decrease:
stress
anxiety
boredom
It also seems to provide a mental respite from work. So what can you do to incorporate nature into your workplace?
I have seen the light
The obvious first step is windows. Natural light and a view of nature are both positive influences. If that’s not something you can affect, there are alternatives. If your view is something urban or unpleasant (construction sites seem to have a particularly stressful effect on people), then spread some pictures of nature around, because even images of natural scenes have a psychological benefit. If you work at a computer, you could set your desktop background to a nice image of nature, or even a rotating selection of them. Most modern Microsoft Windows machines come with a selection of natural images to use.
If you don’t have any windows at all, think about investing in some bulbs/lamps that mimic natural light. There are a wide range of options available, from systems that literally mimic the sun’s changes throughout the day, to little individual lamps that you can sit on your desk.
Into the jungle
If redesigning your office around a fountain and tree-filled atrium is beyond your budget, you could start by just putting some plants around the place. Make sure someone is in charge of watering them though! You could even add some smaller, self-contained, plug-in water features, too.
Think about the materials your furniture is made from. Can you opt for wood or stone, for example, for a natural feel? Even if you can’t get the real materials, patterns from nature in your decor can help, as well as natural colours. So using some natural, wavy blues, some warm, yellow sunbeams or some fresh, grassy greens could make a big difference. And don’t forget about sound! Could you play a natural rainforest ambience through the office TV (assuming you have one, and your colleagues like the idea)?
You could ask colleagues to make suggestions for ways to green your environment, too. If you have some unused land, roof space or even a balcony, maybe a group of green-fingered teammates could work to convert it into a little natural haven. Whatever level of control you have over your office setting, be creative - there’s plenty of inspiration online to give you ideas to bring a natural touch to your daily routine and give yourself, and your colleagues, a rejuvenating boost!
Reference:
Lauren F Friedman and Kevin Loria, ‘11 Scientific Reasons You Should Be Spending More Time Outside’ at: businessinsider.com (25 April 2016).
‘Biophilic Design in the Workplace’ at: humanspaces.com (accessed 30 May 2017).
Further reading
Alison Birrane, ‘Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Nature in the Workplace’ at: bbc.com
‘14 Patterns of Biophilic Design’ at: terrapinbrightgreen.com
Sue Thomas, ‘Technobiophilia’ at: suethomasnet.wordpress.com
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