Bring The Outside In

No time to escape outdoors? Here’s how to reap the benefits of nature in your everyday life

- Mary Comber

Want to feel better in an instant? Open a window. That’s the simple prescription from Alice Peck, author of the new book The Green Cure (Cico, £12.99). ‘Try it right now,’ she says. ‘Stand up, walk over to the nearest window and open it. Take a deep breath. Look up into the sky or let your gaze settle on something green – a tree, a hedge, a flower bed, a potted plant. Take another breath.’ Notice the difference? ‘Chances are you slowed your heart rate, drew in a little more (probably cleaner) oxygen, which improved your focus and gave your back a bit of a stretch,’ says Peck. ‘You gathered your thoughts and, even for the briefest of moments, felt part of the world beyond yourself – mindful and connected. And all of this took less than a minute!’

You’ve probably heard about the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors in nature; how the natural environment can soothe stress, reduce blood pressure and strengthen immunity. But what’s less talked about is the benefit of bringing the outdoors inside. From airing your house to greening your office, harnessing the power of nature in your daily life can not only enhance your happiness but improve your health and stave off physical and mental illness. ‘The idea of opening a window to make us feel better is not new,’ says Peck. ‘Many research studies show that a view of nature can boost mental and physical health, even speeding recovery from disease. Indeed, one study found that hospital patients given rooms with a view of nature had shorter post-operative stays than those in rooms with windows facing a brick wall. Other research shows university students who sit exams in rooms that have natural views achieve better results than those who don’t, and office workers with a view of greenery report their jobs as less stressful.

LET THE LIGHT IN