Micro-Dosing Nature During the Workday: How Tiny Doses of Green Can Boost Your Wellbeing
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to neglect the simple things that nourish our souls, like connecting with nature. This is especially true if you work in a cubicle or corporate environment. But what if I told you there's a way to reap the benefits of ecotherapy from anywhere with limited time? Enter the concept of micro-dosing ecotherapy! Let’s dive in and start implementing these easy things for a wellbeing boost!
What is Micro-Dosing Ecotherapy?
Traditionally, ecotherapy involves spending extended time in nature, participating in activities like gardening, forest bathing, or wilderness exploration. Micro-dosing ecotherapy takes the core principles of this practice and condenses them into shorter, more manageable doses. It's about incorporating tiny bursts of nature connection into your daily routine.
Why Micro-Dose Nature?
Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, boosts creativity, and even strengthens your immune system. But let's be honest, fitting in a multi-hour nature hike isn't always feasible in our busy lives. Micro-dosing offers an accessible alternative, allowing you to reap the benefits of ecotherapy in itty-bitty spurts. Even during the workday.
How to Micro-Dose Your Nature Fix
The beauty of micro-dosing ecotherapy lies in its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Start your day with a sunrise stroll. Witnessing the sunrise can be incredibly grounding and set a positive tone for the day.
Take a mindful walk during your lunch break. Find a park or green space near your workplace and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
Eat lunch outdoors. Savor your midday meal on a park bench or your balcony, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.
Create a green wall in the office. There are fixtures that make it possible to create a green wall at work. A green wall creates a vertical space for plants to exist indoors. Choose easy-to-care-for plants for easy maintenance and to make it easier to convince the company to invest in one. Or, a small pot on your windowsill can be your own personal green oasis. No window in your cubicle? Air plants do well in office settings.
Natural elements on your desk. Have you collected shells from a recent trip? Really, collecting anything connected to the four earthly elements and keeping them on your desk will allow you to hold them when you’re on a call, or just for a few seconds to clear your brain before the next task. Nature books can also create a cozy, mindful feel and allow you to peek at a page as an escape during the workday.
End your day with stargazing. Lie down in your backyard or visit a local park with minimal light pollution and reconnect with the vastness of the universe.
Remember, consistency is key! Aim for a few micro-doses of nature throughout your week, even if it's just for a few minutes each time. You'll be surprised by the cumulative impact it can have on your overall well-being.
So, ditch the stress and embrace the micro-dose. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it!
Taking it a Step Further:
Consider apps like "NatureSpace" or "Calm" that offer guided meditations with nature sounds.
Get your company to volunteer for a local park clean-up or community garden project. Giving back to nature while getting some favorable press for the company is a win-win!
So, do I have you inspired? Go on an adventure to discover those special pieces to infuse them into your workday.
