Nature for Mental Wellbeing: The Urban Living Edit
Posted Monday, Sep 22, 2025 by Dr Cloe Crowhurst (Osteopath). Filed under General
Key Takeaways
- Biophilic design brings nature into urban spaces through plants, natural materials, and organic elements to boost mental wellbeing
- Indoor plants improve cognitive function - research shows people perform better in the presence of greenery, even indoors
- Small changes matter - simple additions like plants, natural sounds, and nature artwork can transform city living
- Best urban plants include Snake Plant, Pothos, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and Aloe Vera for easy maintenance
- Nature is always accessible - even brief moments with flowers, clouds, or green spaces can meaningfully impact mental health
Table of Contents
Life is BUSY! And despite the abundant green spaces surrounding Melbourne, we often find ourselves with reasons why we cannot access them. "I don't have a car", "I don't have the time", "I don't have the energy". Regardless, the benefits of nature for mental wellbeing remain just as crucial, if no more so for those of us running the rat race. So lets talk about some ways to bring nature into our everyday urban lives.
Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors
Stephen Kellert, a researcher in the field of psychology, and Elizabeth Calabrese, an educator and architect, explore this concept in their text “The Practice of Biophilic Design”.
Biophilic design is the concept of integrating natural elements into our urban spaces to create environments that promote health and happiness. This might include introducing plants into indoor spaces, designing buildings with abundant natural light, or incorporating water features and natural materials like wood and stone. These changes can have a profound impact on our mood and cognitive function.
A systematic review and meta-analysis by Han et al., 2022. concluded that people function better in the presence of indoor plants. Suggesting that the concepts described in the Attention Restoration (ART) and Stress Reduction (SRT) theories discussed in the last blog "Nature for Mental Wellbeing: Connecting with Our Planet" may extend to plants within our homes and working environments too.
Overcoming Barriers to Access
Nature is everywhere! Even in the heart of the city, it’s possible to find small moments of connection to the natural world. Whether it’s admiring a flower in a sidewalk planter or gazing at the clouds through your window, these interactions can have a meaningful impact on your mental health.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Living in a dense urban environment doesn’t mean you need to miss out on nature’s benefits. Here are a few simple ways to bring nature into your daily routine:
- Create a green corner: Dedicate a space in your home to plants, whether it’s a few potted herbs on your kitchen windowsill or a lush indoor garden.
- Incorporate natural materials: Use furniture and decor made from wood, bamboo, or other organic materials to create a soothing environment.
- Artwork: Hanging images of nature or artwork that includes naturalistic forms or natural geometries.
- Explore local parks: Take advantage of Melbourne's many green spaces, like Royal Botanic Gardens, Princes Park, Royal Park, or Merri Creek, to experience the restorative power of nature without leaving the city.
- Add natural sounds and scents: Enhance your space with nature-inspired sounds, like gentle rain or birdsong, and natural scents like lavender or eucalyptus to evoke a sense of calm.
- Mindfulness practices: Caroline Arnhold, a mindfulness expert, suggests that pairing nature with mindfulness practices, such as observing the intricate patterns of a leaf or listening to the gentle sound of water, can amplify its benefits.
Best Indoor Plants for Urban Living
For those looking to incorporate greenery into their homes, the following plants are excellent choices:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Low-maintenance and tolerates low light.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Thrives in a range of lighting conditions, known for its trailing vines and aesthetic appeal.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Prefers indirect light and consistent moisture and flowers regularly.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Resilient, adapts to various conditions.
- Aloe Vera: Requires bright, indirect sunlight and minimal watering, with added medicinal benefits for skin irritations.
Nature at Your Fingertips
By embracing biophilic design and making small, intentional changes, you can create a personal oasis that brings the benefits of nature into your urban lifestyle. Even in the busiest of cities, the calming and rejuvenating power of nature is never out of reach.
As Marine Biologist Tierney Thys eloquently puts it, “Nature doesn’t just nurture us; it inspires us to live more fully, more joyfully, and more connectedly.” Let’s find ways to integrate this abundant resource into our daily lives, no matter where we call home.
References
Kellert, S. and Calabrese, E. 2015. The Practice of Biophilic Design. Available at: www.biophilic-design.com.
How nature engages your brain | Tierney Thys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1QXv4sWUtw
Han KT, Ruan LW, Liao LS. Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jun 17;19(12):7454. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19127454. PMID: 35742700; PMCID: PMC9224521. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9224521/
Our osteopath, Dr. Cloe is deeply passionate about the intersection of movement, nature, and mental wellbeing, drawing from both evidence-based research and her commitment to holistic healthcare approaches that recognise the profound connection between our physical environment and psychological health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nature for Mental Wellbeing for Urban settings
Q. How do I care for indoor plants if I'm new to gardening?
A. Start with low-maintenance options: Snake Plants tolerate low light and minimal water, Pothos adapts to various conditions, and Aloe Vera needs bright indirect light with infrequent watering. Most urban-friendly plants are quite forgiving for beginners.
Q: What's the difference between forest bathing and simply spending time outdoors?
A: Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is a specific Japanese practice that involves mindfully immersing yourself in nature using all five senses - touching tree bark, listening to bird songs, breathing forest air, and observing your surroundings without distractions. While any time outdoors is beneficial, forest bathing is a more intentional, meditative approach that research shows can significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. For more details about the science behind forest bathing and other nature-based mental health practices, read our comprehensive guide on Nature for Mental Wellbeing: Connecting with Our Planet.
Q. How can I connect with nature when I don't have time to visit parks?
A. Look for small moments throughout your day - admire flowers in sidewalk planters, gaze at clouds through windows, add plants to your workspace, or listen to natural sounds. Even brief interactions with natural elements can meaningfully impact your mental health.
Q. Can natural sounds and scents really make a difference in urban environments?
A. Absolutely! Adding nature-inspired sounds like gentle rain or birdsong, along with natural scents like lavender or eucalyptus, can evoke calm and help create a more restorative environment in your urban space. This connects to the broader concept of engaging all five senses in nature experiences, which research shows amplifies the mental health benefits. To learn more about how sensory engagement with nature impacts our wellbeing and the science behind these restorative effects, read our comprehensive guide on Nature for Mental Wellbeing: Connecting with Our Planet.