Nurtured by Nature: Bringing the Outdoors In
April 2026
Connectedness to nature seems to benefit mood and mental health. Not only do green spaces affect our health but research is demonstrating that the blue spaces (water) can as well.
Pagosa Springs, CO.
Kristen Wier writes in the April 2025 APA journal, “Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition.“
Dr. Alison Pritchard’s research indicate those connected to nature have a type of contentment that goes beyond just feeling good and includes having a meaningful purpose in life.
I know, don’t WIPE out!!!
Clearly, this person with lower leg amputations is experiencing the nurture of nature through biking!
Experimental studies suggested a protective effect of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function.
Studies have found consistent physiological and cognitive benefits in indoor environments with diverse connections to nature whether directly, through light, windows or virtual reality. This is called Biophilic Design. Your $1000 word for the day!
Fish tanks/screen savers can provide this connection to nature.
Surgical patients with a view of a natural setting had shorter hospital stays, received fewer negative evaluative comments in the nurse’s notes and took fewer potent analgesics (e.g., opiates)
UD Checklist for Bringing the Outdoors In:
Keep plants simple and easy to care for….cactus are wonderful
Sprinkle plants(real or fake) through out the house where they are easily seen.
Bring in outside objects that are meaningful to the person. Stones, branches, shells, windchimes, etc.
Sight lines to the outside through windows and doors.
Windows that open easily.
Large windows giving expansive outside views.
Use of plants/feeders that attract butterflies and birds.
Inside and outside water features, such as a fountain, noise machine, fish tanks, screen savers, pools and ponds.
Pictures/photos of favorite outside scenes.
Consider sheets and comforters which have an outdoor theme.
Use of fresh flowers.
Holiday themed outside/inside doors , use of decorative flags.
Plants and feeders can attract butterflies and birds outside a window.
Looking out our window at this guy!
“To swim or not to swim”…..
Gather plants together for ease of watering and to provide a larger show!
This etagere takes up little space whether outside a window or inside.
Small rocks gathered from travels placed inside a sink bowl adds interest and provides memories.
It’s fun to see what color the stones will become when the water hits them. Kids love this.
In Japan they have “ forest bathing” or Shinrin Yoko. Forest bathing reduces stress and promotes relaxation. You might not be able to experience Shinrin Yoko, but an easy way to bring the outdoors in, is to put a cactus in the shower!
Natural amenities (e.g., green space, lakes, and oceans) were associated with lower reporting of insufficient sleep, and greenness was especially protective among men and individuals over 65 years of age .
Use photos or paintings of a favorite outdoor spot.
Shells displayed from some favorite beaches
Sheets with outdoor motifs.
Flags are an easy way to add a festive flare but also provide orientation to time and place for all ages.
Researchers found positive associations with feeling happy and restored or relaxed within 10 min of exposure to natural outdoor environments.
New construction seem to be installing windows that don’t open. This could be a safety issue, but if you want to open windows to air out your home or take advantage of a breeze, you can’t. Make sure you have enough windows that either slide or crank to open EASILY.
This home has stationary clear windows floor to ceiling in the middle of the house. Great sight lines for the outside. Lots of light into the house from the huge glass front doors as well. All this light is Biophilic Design!
This covered patio allows anyone to sit “outside” while not having to deal with the sun, rain, wind, or other elements. A little nook which is safe and protected.
There is evidence to suggest associations between exposure to nature and improved cognitive function, improved brain activity, reduction of blood pressure, improved mental health, increased physical activity, and better sleep.
This tile in the shower makes an outdoor mural! Great way to be nurtured by nature!
Look at the 2 windows below…..which would you prefer to look out???? They both look out on a pool. Think about the view outside your window as you remodel, make modifications or additions to your home spaces.
Window 1
Window 2
Allow your creative side to shine with tapping into nature for your insides spaces, creating not only better health but memorable moments for flourishing at home!
