7 DIYs to Make You Feel Connected to Nature — Even if You Have No Outdoor Space

There is a lot to love about spending time inside: cozy couches, streaming movies, cuddling up under a blanket to sink into a good book. But now that the weather’s warming, it’s hard to beat the feeling of spending time in the great outdoors. Fresh air can boost your mood, and lower stress, among other benefits, making it a salve for this particular moment in time. That’s why it’s no surprise that people have taken up hiking on the weekends, long strolls in the afternoons, and visits to many local parks. And for those who have an outdoor space, they’ve been lucky enough to bask under blue skies in the privacy of their own homes. 

But what if you don’t have an outdoor space? Sure, you can visit a community garden or make a loop around your neighborhood, but then that breezy connection is lost as soon as you shut your front door. Stay indoors too long without outdoor space, and it’s only human to feel cloistered. Thankfully, there are ways to feel connected to nature if you don’t have a backyard or patio, and the ones I found are all budget-friendly. By incorporating a few of these details into your home, you can bring nature to every room — making it possible to reap the rewards without even thinking about it. Follow along for seven ideas that’ll bring the outdoors in, so that you can appreciate it no matter where you are.

If 2020 didn’t turn you into a Oh Joy! Blog. After nailing the pegboard to the wall, Cho drilled holes into metal containers and strung parachute cord through them before artfully arranging every plant.

Do you know the types of birds that call your neighborhood home? Perch a bird feeder on your window ledge, hang it from a nearby tree branch, or tie it to a post so you can enjoy spotting feathered guests all from the comfort of your couch. You might remember peanut butter-covered pinecones from your kid days — rest assured, there are plenty of options that are way more stylish (and way less messy). Take a look at these 10 bird feeders for ideas. 

For a simple fix, adding a bunch of eucalyptus to your shower can help you feel connected to nature even in your bathroom. By slightly crushing the eucalyptus leaves and then hanging their stems from your shower head, you’ll have refreshing scents every time you bathe. Another perk? Bouquets of fresh eucalyptus can typically be found for less than $5 at stores like Trader Joe’s. Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of your fragrant bouquet.

Embracing elements like

Use water to garden indoors.

Want to add water to your space but don’t have room for a fountain? Consider hydroponic gardening. With no dirt, you’ll eliminate messes and have a stylish way to display your growing greenery. This is a great way to show off your favorite glassware, too.

Make natural candles for fresh smells.

Spending time in nature is a sensory experience, and it’s possible to emulate that by creating and customizing candles. You can tailor yours with essential oils to copy your favorite natural aroma — anything from soft lavender to zingy citrus. Fragrances and the rest of the materials required for this DIY can be purchased online or from your favorite craft store. 

Bring in light by adding mirrors.

One of the greatest benefits of connecting with nature is feeling the sun on your skin. Adding mirrors to your walls won’t bring you more Vitamin D, but it will add light to make your space brighter, happier, and probably more inspiring. Mirrors will also help your space appear bigger, so hopefully, it can help ward off the feeling of living without outdoor access. Reach for plain mirrors, which you can find for $20 or less at big box stores or on resale sites. Then, get creative: Pop off the frame and glue on intricate wood moulding and appliqués for a faux fancy look, or keep the frame on and paint it a bold and bright color. Glue rope around the edges for a rustic style, or add attach wood dowels to create a minimalist mid-century vibe. Your DIY mirror options abound.