Bringing Nature into Your Hybrid Work Life (Even If You're Stuck in the City)
Shut in a cramped home ‘office’ or trapped in a corporate space without even a window to peer out of? You’re probably not the only one. It's so easy to go from desk to couch and back again without seeing the sun for days, sometimes literally. But here’s the thing: bringing nature into your work life isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s actually good for you. Research has shown that spending time around plants, greenery, and natural light can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve concentration. So whether you’re working from home or stuck in an office with no nearby parks, here are some easy ways to bring a little bit of nature into your hybrid routine.
Houseplants: Your New Green Colleagues
Let’s start with the simplest option—houseplants! I’m not exactly a plant expert, but over the years, I’ve figured out which plants survive my excellent (ahem, sometimes-forgetful) watering schedule. Adding a few pots of greenery to your workspace can change the whole vibe of your home office. It’s amazing what a couple of plants can do to make your desk feel more like a cozy nook and less like a productivity prison.
If you’re just starting out with plants, go for easy-to-maintain ones like:
Snake plants – These can survive even if you forget to water them for weeks (trust me on this…).
Spider plants – They don’t need much sunlight and will happily sit in a corner.
Succulents – Little to no water and still cute!
And if you’re really not into the idea of taking care of plants, there are some pretty convincing artificial ones out there these days. Personally, I don’t like fake plants, but frankly, they can still look great and change the vibe of your environment.
Create a Window Space (Even If You Don’t Have a View)
If you’re lucky enough to have a nice window in your home office, use it! Open the blinds or curtains, and let the natural light flood in. It’s amazing how much more connected you feel to the outside world when you’re working in natural light instead of under harsh fluorescent bulbs.
But what if you don’t have a great view, or worse, no window at all? No worries—there are ways to simulate that outdoor feeling. One trick is to add nature-inspired artwork or wallpapers. Put a print of a misty forest or mountains (for example!) behind your desk, and see how it impacts your sense of calm when you glance up from your screen. There’s something about natural scenery that calms your mind and makes your workspace feel less, well, “work-y.”
You can also use a daylight lamp or lightbox if you’re in a space without natural light. These mimic sunlight and can help improve your mood and focus, especially during those darker winter months.
Breaks in the Fresh Air
Hybrid working means more flexibility, so use that to your advantage. One of my favourite things to do is take micro-breaks. Just five or ten minutes outside can work wonders for your productivity and mental clarity. Even if you don’t live near a park, a quick walk around your area or stepping out onto a balcony can be enough to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
If you’re working in an office building with no easy access to green spaces, scout out a little patch of nature near your office. It could be a rooftop garden, a street with a few trees, or even a tiny café with outdoor seating. You’d be surprised how many little pockets of greenery are hiding in the city once you start looking!
Nature Sounds & Scents
Sometimes we have to trick our brains a little, especially if we’re stuck inside. If you don’t have the option to step into nature, why not bring nature to you through sound and smell?
Try out nature soundscapes—birdsong, rainstorms, or a flowing stream playing in the background while you work. There are plenty of apps and YouTube playlists dedicated to nature sounds for work. Not only does it make your workspace feel more relaxing, but it also drowns out distractions if you're working in a noisy environment.
As for scents, try adding a few nature-inspired elements like essential oils or candles. Lavender, eucalyptus, or pine scents can really transport you to a natural space, even if you’re miles away from the nearest forest.
Outdoor Working (Yes, Even in the City)
OK, I’ll admit this isn’t always feasible depending on the weather or the task, but see if you can grab your laptop and head to the garden or a park nearby. Especially good if you’re working on something that needs a bit of creative thinking!
But if you’re in a concrete jungle with no green space in sight, all is not lost! Check out coworking spaces or cafés with outdoor seating. Some companies are even starting to create ‘biophilic’ design offices (offices that incorporate natural elements) where indoor greenery, natural light, and fresh air are prioritised. If you’re in management at your company, why not suggest adding a green space or outdoor working area if feasible?
Virtual Nature Escapes
When the real world doesn’t cooperate, go virtual! You can throw on some VR goggles and instantly be transported to a beach, forest, or even a mountain top. For those of us who need a break but can’t get away, these virtual escapes can refresh the mind.
Or, you could just pull up a live feed of a national park or an aquarium while you work. It’s surprisingly relaxing to have the gentle motion of nature in the background, even if it’s just a screen.
When You Don’t Have Green Spaces Nearby…
I totally get it—sometimes, we just don’t have access to lush green parks or nature reserves, especially if you live in the heart of a busy city. If that’s the case, get creative with your home and office spaces. Bring in plants, nature-inspired colors, and natural materials like wood or stone to create a sense of calm. Even small touches like a bamboo desk organiser or a jute rug can subtly bring in that natural vibe.
After all, nature isn’t always about greenery. You can bring in elements like seashells, rocks, or even driftwood as decoration. These tiny touches can have a huge impact on your sense of connection to the natural world.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you're working from home or in an office, finding ways to bring nature into your workday is totally doable—and more important than you might think. A few plants, a daily walk, or even some nature-inspired sounds can drastically improve your mood, boost your productivity, and help you feel more grounded.
The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. After all, hybrid working gives us the flexibility to create a work environment that truly nurtures us—inside and out! So go ahead, bring a little nature into your day. You (and your work) will be better for it.