We know that getting outside into the fresh air is good for the soul. But what happens when the Minnesota weather has other ideas — or when illness or a busy schedule keeps you indoors?
Thankfully, scientific research confirms a simple truth: even a glimpse of nature can provide powerful health and wellbeing benefits.
Let’s look at two groundbreaking studies that prove why we should actively invite nature into our indoor spaces, no matter the season.
The power of a green view
Imagine you're recovering from surgery. Which view would you prefer: a vibrant, green landscape or a drab brick wall?
In 1984, Dr. Roger Ulrich conducted a seminal study comparing patients recovering from gallbladder surgery. Half of the patients looked out a window at a rich, green, natural setting, while the other half faced a plain brick wall.
The findings showed that patients with a view had better health outcomes:
- Faster recovery: Patients with a nature view had a significantly faster recovery rate.
- Less pain medication: They required fewer analgesic doses (pain medication).
- Fewer complaints: They registered fewer negative comments or complaints with the hospital staff.
- Happier staff: As a bonus, the nurses and staff tending to these patients reported greater job satisfaction.
This study was one of the first to scientifically link passive exposure to nature with measurable physical and psychological benefits.
Boosting wellness in the workplace
The healing power of an indoor "nature dose" isn't limited to hospitals. Research has since shown that incorporating nature into our daily work lives can dramatically reduce stress and improve overall health.
A 2015 study conducted by Norwegian researchers (Bjornstad et al.) evaluated various work settings and found a clear link between the amount of indoor nature contact and improved employee well-being. Workers in the study who had extended nature contact reported decreased job stress, had fewer health complaints and missed fewer days of work.
Your daily dose of indoor nature
While nothing beats a walk at the Arboretum, the message from this research is clear: if you cannot be in nature, then surround yourself with nature.
Making nature a part of your daily routine in all seasons is a powerful act of self-care. Here are a few simple, actionable ways you can nurture your health from the comfort of your home or office:
- Bring in the green: Start or expand your collection of houseplants. Even a small succulent or fern can make a difference.
- Digital immersion: Use a screensaver or rotating digital picture frame featuring beautiful landscape scenes — especially those vibrant summer photos from your favorite Minnesota camping trips!
- Find your window: Whenever possible, arrange your seating to look out onto the most natural view available.
In addition to the gardens, natural areas and 12 miles of walking trails, the Arboretum offers on-site Nature-Based Therapeutics classes to connect visitors with the natural world. Offered throughout the year, the Mindfully Create a Terrarium: Grow Your Practice of Connecting to the Natural World class helps participants bring the outdoors in. Inspired by research mentioned above, this class provides an opportunity for participants to craft their own miniature ecosystem and create a tangible "nature dose" designed to boost health and happiness year-round. While the spring session of this workshop is sold out, keep an eye out for future dates.
Join us to cultivate your own restorative green space that reduces stress and improves wellbeing — no matter the Minnesota weather.
Dr. Jean Larson is the manager of Nature-Based Therapeutic Services at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and is faculty lead of the Nature-Based Therapeutic Studies at the Earl Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing of the University of Minnesota.
Cover photo by Caitlin Cave