While on lockdown, we have all been missing the outdoors. Our adventures, the bird song, the breeze in our hair (I’ll stop the poetry now, you get the jist). Expeditions and hill days with friends have obviously been cancelled, so I’ve been trying to find ways to connect to nature, in this new indoors life. In this post, I have brought together some of my favourite ideas that I’ve implemented in my own home. This isn’t just for lockdown either. These are for general living, working from home and even if you work from an office – though maybe check with the boss before your pitch your tent.
Plants
Surrounding yourself with greenery from nature is a simple but effective way to bring nature to your home. Many garden centers are delivering plants and flowers straight to your door, or if you’re greenfingered, you could even grow your own from seeds! I’ve also seen a new trend of having moss in a bowl in your living room. Supposedly it cleanses the air (I don’t know the reality of this!), but more than anything I think it’s a nice way to connect with nature in your own living room! Even a bouquet of supermarket flowers can brighten the indoors.
Scents
We often forget how smell plays a massive part in our experiences and memories. Bringing in the smell of the outdoors can be another dimension of escapism . Candles, diffusers and plants are all options. I’m obsessed with the Essence of Harris candles. I currently have one from their Sgarasta collection. My room now smells of fresh sea-breeze, to driftwood and salty water. Reminds me of kayaking, surfing or swimming! Their Adru collection is also wonderful. Earthy with hints of fresh grasses, it casts your mind to a mountain summit or riverside walk. BLISSFUL.
Camping indoors
I live in a flat and have been very jealous seeing photos of others camping in their gardens. But I still wanted that same adventure-feel. So I took notes from my chidhoos and built a fort! Using lots of sheets, the furniture in my living room and a bit of imagination, I created a wonderful nook. Throw in a sleeping bag, camping light and even your favourite camping mug, and you can be transported to your favourite camping memory.
Open the Windows
Rain or shine, the first thing I do every morning is open my curtains and open all the windows in the flat. The fresh air streams through, taking away the sleepy cobwebs and filling my living space with crisp air and birdsong. I’ll have my breakfast wherever the sun streams in, and spend a moment just taking in the cold air and nature sounds.
Sunshine
On that perfect note, getting the sun on your skin has a bundle of health benefits. Not least, it boosts your mood. Even if I can’t go outside (mainly working in the office or stuck indoors in lockdown), I try and grab even a tiny moment in the sunshine by the window. The sun on my skin immediately gives me goosebumps and I’m instantly uplifted by this simple connection with nature.
Films & TV
A bit odd, recommending technology when wanting to connect with nature. But watching a nature documentary or an adventure film can be give you the outdoors-fill, from the comfort of your own sofa. You might be cosied up on a wet day or you’re chock full of the cold, but films and television are brilliant for transporting us to another place. RedBull TV is one of my favourite channels and YouTube has lots to offer too. I am obsessed with the Talisker Atlantic Challenge channel a challenge of rowing across the Atlantic that I would LOVE to take part in. It’s got a few longer documentaries following specific teams on their row, and loads of shorter videos to give you the full feel of the race!
How are you bringing the outdoors to your indoor spaces? Let me know how you connect with nature, by connecting with me! I’m on Instagram and Facebook. Even better, subscribe to my posts via email, below. Already an avid fan? If you have a spare couple pennies and want to help me keep writing, I always welcome coffee purchases 🙂
