Why Bringing Nature Into Your Life Matters More Than Ever
Why Bringing Nature Into Your Life Matters More Than Ever
Table of Contents
A Pond That Became a Lifeline
The Environment We Live In Matters
Finding Relief Through Nature
Why Humans Are Wired for Natural Spaces
Reconnecting in a Modern World
Creating Nature in Your Daily Life
A Life Built by Design
A Pond That Became a Lifeline
At our previous home there was a spot in the front yard that was perfect for building a small pond with a water feature. It was a total DIY project that required two rounds of effort spaced a few years apart and it never looked exactly the way I wished, but I loved it anyway.
Our living room windows opened to it and it was right in front of the tiny courtyard-like patio space. In the cooler seasons I would leave the windows open and let the sound of the water wash over the house. The fact there was fantastic natural light throughout the house was also wonderful.
There were many things I loved about that place, the problem was the location.
The Environment We Live In Matters
I grew up in Southern California, but in the inland area which is very much a desert environment where the hills turn brown for most of the year and the sky closer to white or sepia rather than a vibrant blue thanks to the smog that pushes inland. The environment wasn’t much different in central California where we had this house, except there were no hills.
Anxiety became a daily companion there. My husband was military and so I had packed up and joined him there, away from family and the close friends I had. I loved getting to start a life with him and grow our family, yet military life is not an easy one.
We were fortunate enough to be the rare exception and not have to move around, although seeing some of our friends land in Key West, Italy, or Washington D.C. for some tours did have me thinking twice about our push to stay in one spot, not gonna lie.
Finding Relief Through Nature
It was what it was and I had to look for ways to reduce my stress. While in school for Interior Design I started learning about biophilic or nature-informed design and how bringing in natural elements has been proven not only to reduce stress, but promote healing as well.
That pond became a lifeline on some days for me. With two young kids and a husband away nearly half the time, it was the next best thing to driving the one to two hours out to the forest for some time in nature.
Why Humans Are Wired for Natural Spaces
The thing is, we are still connected to nature because we are nature. Human beings have been around significantly longer than our modern day cityscapes have.
It’s no wonder we daydream of sitting on a beach by the ocean. Or love to have a cup of hot cocoa while sitting by the fire in the woods. Or stargaze out in the desert.
Science is slowly catching up to what our bodies already know we need.
Reconnecting in a Modern World
We have now come up with different ways to try and reconnect: grounding mats, red light therapy, even cold plunges. These are all ways to make up for what our bodies normally get from natural environments.
What I’m getting at is simple. If we are seeking to relieve our stress, go spend some time outdoors.
Creating Nature in Your Daily Life
Eventually what I had started to do was plan for a nature outing nearly once a month, even if it were for only an afternoon. And at home, I did what I could to surround myself with nature through letting in plenty of natural light, soundscapes, and plants.
Fast forward to where we are now, set on four acres of land next to a small river and surrounded by pines and cypress trees, it’s no wonder I did all that I could to make sure we landed here. It wasn’t by luck, but by design and what we did in the years prior to give ourselves the chance at a life like this.
A Life Built by Design
And even though that is what we chose for ourselves, it’s still not for everyone and that’s perfectly fine.
My point being is don’t sleep on building out your time and space so that you can let more nature in. Given that a majority of people deal with some level of stress and anxiety, this could be exactly what you’re craving and may not even know it.
Sometimes the answer isn’t another productivity tool, supplement, or biohack.
Sometimes the answer is as simple as stepping outside, feeling the air move around you, hearing water or wind through the trees, and remembering that your body already knows how to slow down when you give it the right environment to do so.
Simple Action Steps (Today!)
Spend at least 10 minutes outside each day.
Let natural light into your home whenever possible.
Add plants or natural elements to your living space.
Schedule a regular nature outing each month.
Notice how your stress levels shift when you spend time outdoors.
FAQ
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating natural elements such as plants, water, natural light, and organic materials into built environments to support wellbeing.
Why does nature reduce stress?
Natural environments help regulate the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and create a calming sensory experience.
Do you need to live in the countryside to benefit from nature?
No. Even small changes like walking in a park, opening windows for fresh air, or adding plants indoors can help reconnect you to natural elements.
How often should someone spend time outdoors for stress relief?
Even short daily exposures to nature, such as a walk or sitting outside, can significantly improve mental wellbeing.
Can indoor spaces replicate the benefits of nature?
While not identical to being outdoors, natural light, plants, and water features can help create calming environments that support relaxation and focus.
What's Next
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by health advice, fitness programs, and lifestyle content, start with simplicity.
Choose one small habit today. Commit to it for a week.
If you want help building a system that supports consistency without burnout, join me inside M.O.V.E. Studio. It’s designed to feel calm, grounded, and actionable so you can build health that actually fits your life.
Simple. Sustainable. Repeatable.
That’s where real change begins.
