Well, yes, but...not for that.
As we cope with short days, pandemic restrictions, and feelings of stress and isolation, nature is our ever-ready and powerful coping mechanism.
Gardening, and caring for plants- inedible, decorative plants, has been traced back to the earliest known human activities.
Astronauts sent to space with small garden experiments found that the act of conducting the experiments, of tending and caring for the plants, was greatly beneficial and therapeutic, both physiologically and psychologically. They reported a sense of purpose, peacefulness, and relaxation which gave them renewed vigor for their other duties, despite the multitude of stressors of space flight. And, in a weird way, we are all enduring an odd existence right now that slightly mimics space flight- social isolation, extreme stress, physical and psychological pressures that change unexpectedly, and a need to competently complete complex tasks (living, working, caretaking).
So, bring on the plants! We know we need to eat plants for the nutrients that they provide, which our own bodies do not make. We eat our vegetables and fruits, drink coffee and tea to wake up or relax, take vitamin C when we have a cold, and put aloe vera on our skin to help soothe a burn. But do we also know that all plants emit chemicals into the air that we sense, absorb and use? Plants trigger healthy responses in our bodies by our being near them. They reduce our pain response, reduce stress reactions, increase longevity, improve attention, improve our general state of well-being, and activate our killer cells (NK- a type of white blood cell that is important to our immune function). These benefits are gained from simply connecting to nature- not only from eating plants, or drinking fresh water, or ingesting plant-based medicines, but from being in, looking at, and listening to the natural world. This is known as the biophilia effect, or the healing power of nature. Spending time outside feels cleansing and luxurious, relaxing and clarifying, rejuvenating and refreshing. The sun, the birds, the feeling of the earth under our feet and the sky and trees overhead are all regenerative for us, powerful tools for our health and well-being. Hospitals, city planners and architects incorporate biophilia to help balance our industrialized patterns of modern living and to help our bodies to heal after surgeries, trauma and illness.
In these stressful, isolated pandemic times, we really could use an extra dose of nature. If we can get outside, we should. Not on the city street, necessarily (though any time outdoors is good), but somewhere green. Do we have any access to outdoor greenspace? Do not worry about perfection, this can be anything from a forest, a beach or a park to a humble front yard, garden, or small tree. Whatever is available to us, we merely have to spend some time to connect. As little as twenty minutes can net us strong physiological and psychological benefits. Longer, up to thirty or forty minutes, is better, but not exponentially. And the more ways that we can connect, using all of our senses, the better. The smells, sights, sounds, phytochemicals, and soil all give us different benefits.
Plants emit Phytoncides, chemicals that protect the plants from pests and disease. Trees give off the most. We absorb and use these chemicals, giving our own systems an immune boost. Take a walk, take pictures of the natural beauty, listen, collect leaves, sit outside, play with a dog-let your mood, imagination, and temperament guide you as to how you feel most comfortable being outside, and then let nature do its work.
If we cannot get outside, we can bring nature inside to us.
Take a look around your home. Do you have a sunny window? Herbs grow in limited space, are wildly aromatic, and can be used in cooking. Houseplants, flowering plants, hydroponic gardens-what could work for you? Digging in the soil uses our sense of touch, grounds us, and exposes us to beneficial bacteria. Caring for plants leads to emotional well-being, like the astronauts found. Plants purify, detoxify and humidify the air. They produce natural oils and aromatherapeutic smells and chemicals. And looking at plants reduces our stress response.
We have a particular biochemical response to looking at a balanced, lush, landscape, so arranging pots in a multilevel, balanced way that is visually appealing has extra therapeutic effects. Think of creating your own mini forest-scape, varying smaller plants with tall, woody plants. For the phytoncide benefits, choose some larger plants with broad, wide leaves. All plants emit phytoncides, but some plants give off more than others. Even bringing in freshly cut flowers has benefits, from their pleasing smell, beauty to behold, and joy of arranging them.
Beyond literally dragging plants into our homes, there are other ways to bring nature inside.
Here are some different things to try:
Bird Song- Humans and birds need roughly the same living environments. We have evolved to feel safe when we hear birdsong. There is a reason that city scape architects broadcast birdsong into large public spaces. We are drawn to birdsong like almost no other sound. Birds sing when there is no threat, and become silent when a threat emerges. To hear birdsong is a signal that the area is safe for us. This can be used as sound therapy. We instinctively relax when we can hear birds. And it is not something that detracts from our attention. Birdsong can soothe while remaining in the background, making it a good choice while working or studying. Also, birds signal to us that it is time to be awake, as they sing during the day and are quiet at night. Hearing birds singing is a natural signal to our brain that it is time to be alert.
Water, rainfall, springs, rivers, or oceans- spas are onto something. Listening to running water is extremely comforting and relaxing for us. Perhaps use this if we need or want to fully relax, when it is okay to accidentally fall asleep (so- NOT during a Zoom meeting...). With all of the extra stress and strain right now, settling into a daily routine of planned relaxation is incredibly helpful for our blood pressure, stress responses, immune response, and to combat mental and physical exhaustion.
A Pretty View- scientists learned that just staring out of a window onto a pretty landscape, tree or small garden had many of the same benefits of being outside. If you are lucky enough to have a garden view, or a view of a pretty tree or shrub, think about rearranging your furniture to allow yourself some gazing time. Maybe do your problem-solving while you are watching the leaves fall from the trees, or watch the clouds change their patterns in the sky. But schedule some regular watching intervals throughout the day.
A Photograph- Scientists also found that looking at computer images of plants and nature had similar effects to being outside. What images could you immerse yourself in for 20-40 minutes? This is great for an instant plant fix- even looking at a phone screen would work. You could look at travel destinations, plan your garden, or just follow a whim of the day. Zoos, public gardens and research facilities all have fun and different live-cams set up. Watch baby eagles hatching in a nest, or chuckle at some panda antics at a zoo, or take a guided tour through a forest trail. Don't get so lost in viewing that you forget to log into work for the day-but it is an excellent way to schedule a break.
Aromatherapy- Aromatherapy may seem like a crazy fad, but the healing powers of essential oils is no joke. Aromatherapy has been shown to promote sleep, relieve anxiety, reduce stress, relieve headaches, combat nausea, boost mood, and aid in wound healing. Setting up a diffuser is simple and quick, and oils can be changed with your needs. Use specific oils that invigorate one day, and soothe and relax the next. Take caution with your skin, as some oils can be irritating. But a diffuser and a simple instructive book can expose you to all manner of herbal therapies (and it could freshen the air from your latest cooking experiment!).
The Sun- Last but not least, we need the sun. It helps our moods, our attention, and our alertness. We are all familiar with the benefits of vitamin D, which regulates genes that control every tissue in our bodies. But the sun can also help us to regulate time and balance our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (when these systems are out of whack, we are tossing and turning at night, and then exhausted the next day- which means that we are not being productive, but neither is our body- different body systems work during sleep or alert times. Think of how problematic a city garbage strike becomes, pretty quickly. That's what it is like in our bodies when we aren't functioning properly, internally). If we do not get adequate sun through our windows, we can get lights that mimic the sun. Get a full-spectrum light to use throughout the day, but especially first thing in the morning. The sun signals our body to stop turning serotonin into melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for falling asleep. Serotonin is responsible for our positive mood and calm focus. We want these two to be working at the proper time. When melatonin is created at night, we fall asleep easier and stay asleep. Then the sun rising in the morning (or our full spectrum light turning on) signals us to use our serotonin for feeling bright and sunny, enabling us to tackle the day.
Enjoy figuring out just the right experiences for you- your body, mind and spirit will thank you!
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