The modern work environment requires workers to spend an inordinate amount of time inside, in front of computers and in meeting rooms under harsh fluorescent lighting. As a result, the American workforce is experiencing a negative impact in the form of stress-related illnesses, namely depression and anxiety. These disorders are estimated to cost businesses around $190 billion in healthcare costs every year.
In order to solve this problem, much focus has been placed on revising management practices: offering less rigid schedules and work from home options. Research has shown, however, that creating a more natural work environment—an environment filled with sunlight and greenery—has more positive results when it comes to mental health. Surrounded by nature, workers experience a continuous health-promoting intervention that requires little extra effort or time.
It’s no surprise that nature in the work place has a positive impact. We know that nature reduces stress and can increase feelings of happiness. Exposure to nature also contributes to physical wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, heart rate and the reduction of stress hormones.
So how do we get nature into the work environment to start reaping the benefits?
1. Get Outdoors
Being out in nature is where you will find the most healing benefits, and it doesn’t take much to start feeling the effects. All you need is 10-20 minutes of your day to venture outside and find some green space. Take a walk on lunch to a park or other natural setting and immerse yourself in your surroundings. When you return to the office you should feel reinvigorated and your brain will feel less fatigued.
2. Bring Nature In
Having a plant at your workspace can have wonderful mood boosting effects. Studies have shown that interacting and caring for plants can reduce psychological stress, increase attention, promote relaxation, and reduce mental fatigue.
3. Use Your Imagination
Carve out time in the day to perform a visualization exercise. Use your imagination to put yourself in a nature setting that you find calming. It could be from a recent hike in the woods or a sunset you watched on the beach. This type of activity can greatly help reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace.
Nature is a wonderful way to help ease workplace stress and anxiety. Sometimes, however, more aggressive intervention is needed. If you are struggling with severe anxiety or depression and find that these disorders are impacting your ability to go to work (or be an engaged family member or friend), reach out to your healthcare provider to seek treatment. They may recommend treatment options such as antidepressant medications or ketamine infusions—in conjunction with the nature intervention, of course!
Request a Free Consultation at Evansville Ketamine Center
Recent Comments