A Natural Workspace

Wellbeing is a word that is constantly being circulated around yet what does it mean for the home working environment? We all have a need to think more positively and free ourselves from the daily stresses and pressures that can have a dramatic impact on our health.

We intuitively know that nature is good for our wellbeing, and as a species, we are built to roam and forage in open spaces. As humans, we possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. Bringing nature into the home working environment will promote healthier and happier beings.

Following a concept called biophilia, we can design a little of nature’s magic back into life at home. Biophilia- meaning a love of nature- recognises the natural world as a force for improving our physical and mental wellbeing and putting us in a more relaxed, open and optimistic state of mind. By allowing our natural biophilia to flourish in the home workspace, general wellbeing and productivity will benefit.

 

“Views onto plants have been shown to increase productivity by 15%”

The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments Marlon Nieuwenhuis, Craig Knight, Tom Postmes, and S. Alexander Haslam 2014

It isn’t just about adding plant life and greenery to the home working environment. You can use any kind of biophilic influences to improve our connection with nature to help reduce stress.

Here are some easy ways to help connect with nature from your home working space:

· Make the most of available natural light by keeping your windows clear and clean

· Add greenery in pots, trailing plants hanging from the ceiling

· Allow plenty of fresh air in by opening windows

· Light a candle with essential oils to help you relax. Choose scents such as eucalyptus, rosemary and bergamot to evoke the natural world.

Transforming home working spaces into biophilic environments will provide us with the motivation and creativity needed to continue working in our own surroundings. Biophilic design is all about returning to our roots and bringing nature back into our home working environments to help bolster happiness and relieve stress.