Bringing the Outside In – Using Nature in the Office to Boost Mood

There is no end of evidence that proves nature is good for our mental and physical wellbeing.

What we have often felt has now been proven as fact, that sense of soul restoration, of mental clarity we get if we lose ourselves in a forest for a while for example. Or that mental peace and sense of physical lightness when we’re by the ocean listening to the waves lap.

This knowledge is why so many people gravitate to the bush or beach each weekend, seeking that sense of restoration.

But what if we didn’t have to wait for the weekend?

What if we could bring a taste of outside in? Even into our office?

Like many people, during COVID, I developed a newfound obsession with indoor house plants. Much to my husband’s horror that obsession hasn’t waned, and the kitchen and main bathroom has long been taken over as has the home office. My home office also contains a water feature in a setting with natural pebbles and a lovely plant draping into the water. It resembles a little natural stream, and the gentle trickle is utterly blissful. (Cost – @$80).

The work office space has also been populated. I move plants around and place them next to my screen when I’m craving green. It’s also a very mindful activity misting and watering the plants and appreciating their growth.

In her book, The Natural Advantage, Dr Jenny Brockis’ shares groundbreaking insights on nature’s benefits. She tells the story of one GP in Western Australia who has designed the medical practice with the intention of bringing nature inside. Benefiting both staff and patients.

This is fast becoming a new area of architectural design due to the proven benefits to our wellbeing, and therefore our work health.

After sharing Jenny’s book and my office water feature with one of my clients recently, I was delighted to receive some photos a couple of weeks later of her plant laden office and indoor water feature that created the most relaxing little corner in her office. She paid $32 for it from Temu and brought in some plants and prints from home.

It doesn’t take much effort or expense to bring outside in. To help us receive the goodness of nature even when we can’t be out in it.

Little hacks like this provide many benefits – conversation and connection points with colleagues, moments of relaxation and mindfulness as plants are watered and growth is witnessed. More oxygen in the air, the colour green in our spaces, and diffusion of all the negative energy our technology emanates.

Now I often hear people tell me “I can’t keep a plant alive.” And I hear you. I could never keep a plant alive in my office before. I even purchased plants called Indoorstructibles – very clever marketing – that I still killed. I’ve tried ferns and peace lilies – supposedly the easiest. Nope! Dead.

Here’s my three tips for plants that should survive the office environment:

1. Spider plant. Small to medium with variegated leave and when it grows some curly fun.
2. Philodendrons – a gorgeous creeper with deep green heart shaped leaves. Great if you have a shelf or window ledge and very hardy.
3. Monstera – Warning this one will eventually take over the office if the conditions are right, but they are very hard to kill (even when you want to!).

If you work in a basement with no light or air (I’m so sorry) bring in some fake greenery – that has benefits too.

If you can’t do any of that, put up some prints of forest or water on the wall, or even on your desk. Can’t do that? Change your screen saver.

There are many ways you can bring a touch of the outdoor in.

Give it a try and let me know how you go, and if you already have a wonderful example please share, I’d love to see what you’ve created.