HOME BASED NATURE THERAPY IDEAS
Nature therapy ideas to try at, or very near, home.
This list is a companion to the article from last Sunday “Day Dreaming by the Window: The Power of Nature Therapy”.
Nature therapy using the senses
Mindfulness practices in fresh air or by a window
Gentle stretching or yoga outside or by a window
Stimulate multiple senses with natural stimulants simultaneously.
Notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can feel, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste
Sit on a bench outside
Notice the sun’s daily cycle
Catch the morning sun
Forest bathing or gentle walking
Nature Therapy Hobbies
Nature journaling
Grow houseplants or herbs
Draw, paint, press native wildflowers
Be a nature observer.
Participate in citizen science
Make a nature shelf
Install (and regularly clean) a bird bath
Put up wind chimes
Learn (about bees, or the night sky, or mycorrhizal networks)
Check out nature writers or photographers
Design your space
Use natural colors and materials
Have a cozy window seating area
Use nature inspired patterns
Have accessible windows with views of nature
Tech options
Watch nature shows
Explore VR (virtual reality) forest walks, motorcycle rides, hikes
List to soundscapes: birdsong, lake lapping, ocean waves, rain, wind
Turn off notifications on your phone. Better yet, turn off your phone.
Trying one of these is great. Practicing nature therapy daily is life affirming.
REFERENCES
SCIENCE
Bikomeye et al 2022, The impact of greenspace or nature-based interventions on cardiovascular health or cancer-related outcomes: A systematic review of experimental studies
Hansen et al 2017, Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) & Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review
Jimenez et al 2022, Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence
Nejade et al 2022, What is the impact of nature on human health? A scoping review of the literature
Song et al 2016, Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan
Vora et al 2024, Essential oils for clinical aromatherapy: A comprehensive review
PLANTS AS MEDICINE
Hedgerow Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Remedies, Bruton-Seal and Seal
Jekka’s Complete Herb Book, Jekka McVicar
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition
DESIGNING WITH NATURE
https://jillmalek.com/pages/projects