Slow Living for Chronically Ill People Series Week 8: Connecting with Nature, Even Indoors

Welcome to the last article in our 8 week series on slow living.  If you're new here you can start at the beginning by clicking this link.

Spending time in nature can be incredibly healing—but when you’re living with a chronic illness, getting outside isn’t always easy. The good news? You don’t have to leave your home to enjoy the calming, restorative effects of nature. With a few simple changes, you can bring the outdoors in and enjoy the peace that nature provides right from your bed or couch.

Why Nature Helps

Nature has a way of calming the nervous system, lifting your mood, and reducing stress. Studies show that just looking at greenery or hearing nature sounds can lower anxiety and improve focus.

Benefits of connecting with nature:

Reduces stress and mental fatigue

Boosts mood and emotional well-being

Encourages mindfulness and relaxation

Easy Ways to Bring Nature Indoors

You can create a peaceful, nature-inspired space without needing to move much. Here are gentle ideas to help you feel more connected to nature:

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Houseplants or Faux Greenery: Add a few low-maintenance plants or realistic faux plants to your living space. Here are a few easy to take care of faux indoor plant examples.

Nature Sounds or Videos: Play sounds of birds, rain, or ocean waves while you rest. 

Open the Windows: Let in fresh air and natural light when possible. Even a crack of a window can shift the energy in a room.

Nature-Inspired Decor: Choose items with floral, leaf, or natural textures—like throw pillows, curtains, or wall art. 

Aromatherapy: Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or cedarwood can remind you of the outdoors. Use essential oils with or without a diffuser. 

Low-Energy Ways to Enjoy Nature

On tough days, these gentle activities can help you feel connected to nature without having to go far:

Sit by a Window: Watch the trees, clouds, or birds.

Tend to a Small Plant: Watering a tiny succulent can be calming and give a sense of purpose. 

Nature Journaling: Write or draw what you see or hear outside. You can even imagine a favorite place in nature. 

Use Natural Light Bulbs: These mimic the warmth of sunlight and can brighten a room gently.

Create a Nature Nook

Dedicate a cozy corner of your home to nature-inspired rest. Include:

A comfy chair or floor cushion seat

A plant or two

Nature-themed art or objects

A basket with a journal, calming tea, or soothing scents

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to hike a mountain or spend hours outside to feel the benefits of nature. Even small moments—a breeze through the window, a glance at a green plant, or a deep breath of a forest-scented candle—can bring you peace.

Slow living is about creating spaces and moments that nourish your body and soul. Let nature be one of your quiet companions along the way.

In this together,

Laura