Accessing the Wellbeing Benefits of Nature, While We Work

Summer in Minnesota or anywhere – what could be better than reaping the joys and healing properties of mother nature in full bloom? 

At the University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, for many years now we have been promoting nature’s many wellbeing benefits. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests being in nature reduces anxiety, fear, and stress, and increases positive emotions. Exposure to nature not only makes us feel better emotionally, but it also contributes to our physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. In one study in Mind, 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to feeling calmer and more balanced. Additionally, nature may increase wellbeing through its ability to inspire awe and activate the calming branch of the central nervous system. Taking in natural wonders, panoramic views, or even viewing images of nature scenes may also serve to inspire awe. 

But how can we access the many benefits of nature when we are working indoors, at the office or from home? There is good news! As individuals, teams, and workplaces — whether working hybrid or not — there are a number of things that we can do to reap the wellbeing benefits of nature while we work.

Tips for Accessing the Wellbeing Benefits of Nature, While We Work

1. Bring on the plants, big or small. For years, plants have been used to brighten up an office space, help with tricky spatial or design problems, or to improve room acoustics. Thanks to our friends in biophilic design and other fields, we now know that the plant you tend to on your office desk or that beautiful tropical tree in the meeting room may also be enhancing your physical and mental wellbeing. Some employers even reimburse their employees for office greenery as an employee wellbeing benefit (you may wish to check with your employer!)
2. Care for your “Green Time” and your “Screen Time.” Many of us are learning to monitor our screen time to reduce stress and care for our wellbeing, but it may be just as important to attend to our daily “green time.” When you next need time away from a screen, consider adding in some green time by stepping outside. Walk around your building or down a nearby path, or sit outside on a bench and listen to the birds sing, or watch the clouds go by for a few minutes. Give yourself the gift of some well-deserved green time. 
3. Team Up. How about having that meeting or check-in with your colleague as you go for a walk together outdoors? You’ll be racking up more than just nature wellbeing benefits. You’ll also be getting some exercise, accomplishing some work, and maybe strengthening your relationship with a coworker! 
4. Build it In. Whenever it’s possible, move your desk a little closer to a window or design workspaces to include access to natural light. Consider creating “wellbeing oases” in your office’s common space that include natural light, greenery, and places to sit and occasionally soak in a bit of nature’s healing balm. 

If you are ever on a team that is helping to design or redesign your office building or space, be sure to consider the benefits of nature and include natural elements in the design. If you are fortunate enough to have this opportunity, consider designs that allow all employees access to natural light, the use of earth-friendly building supplies, materials and furnishing, outdoor community gardens, or even an atrium with inviting skylights and plants.

What’s most important is that you simply do the best you can to connect daily with nature – in all its bounty, its many seasons and forms. You might just find you feel better and accomplish your work with greater ease. 

The University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing’s Meditation Garden is an example of a workplace community garden. Situated in an enclosed courtyard on the Twin Cities campus (in the Mayo Memorial Building’s B-Wing), all faculty, staff, and students can visit the garden—maintained by volunteers, students, and professionals from various University health sciences units—and explore sections dedicated to various wellbeing needs. Whether visitors go to the space to smell the flowers, eat lunch, or pick vegetables or herbs, there’s something for everyone at the meditation garden. Learn more about the Bakken Center’s Meditation Garden.