Carole Rollins, Ph.D.

Earth Month is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and appreciate Planet Earth and its incredible people, plants, and animals.

A 2025 research study found that modern indoor lifestyles have separated people from nature. However, incorporating natural elements into people's lives in their homes can change this situation.

Nature can transform people's lives, rejuvenating their bodies, minds, and spirits. Walking through a forest among the tall trees can make a person feel powerful, just like the trees. It's as if they're whispering and encouraging people to reach for the sky.

Memories of time spent in nature inspire me to bring those feelings and experiences into my daily life. By recreating natural scenes, people can make a nature refuge in their homes.

Here are three ways to bring the outdoors inside and create a nature retreat at home. Adding a wall of plants, a koi pond, and mountain views can turn a living room into a serene oasis. A bedroom can become a tranquil retreat with a waterfall, lush vegetation, and nature views. Planting a vegetable garden in the kitchen is another way to integrate nature into an indoor environment.

Natural elements like sunlight, water, and plants have a nurturing and healing effect on people. The scent of flowers, fresh air, and sparkling water can bring people peace and joy throughout the day.

A 2024 study found that adding indoor plants, water features, and nature views enhances visual appeal and reduces stress. My experiences in nature illustrate these transformative effects. When my 80-year-old mother, Gladys, moved into a lakeside apartment, her new home became known as "Camp Gladys." Visiting her and feeding the ducks felt like a holiday at a luxurious resort. 

This inspiration from my mother's lakeside retreat helped me envision a serene oasis at home. In my nature-filled dream home, there would be a living room with a waterfall, lush plants, a koi pond, and a mountain view. Nature's calming atmosphere and beauty offer a comforting escape from the world outside.

Research demonstrates how nature positively impacts people, strengthening personal connections to the natural world. The American Psychological Association says a peaceful nature retreat inside a home can improve indoor air quality and positively impact physical and mental well-being.

Falling asleep by a small stream in the mountains was a rejuvenating personal experience in nature. The soothing sounds of water revitalized my energy and calmed my soul.

Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of water flowing over rocks into a small pond in the bedroom. A research report published in 2025 found that people find the peace they long for in nature.

Another inspiring personal experience was living in a barn behind my girlfriend's house in an urban environment. The barn's open front was perfect for planting a vegetable garden, which brought me closer to nature.

Urban dwellers can recreate this feeling by planting a vegetable garden in their kitchen. This way, families can pick fresh produce and cook meals together, making indoor gardening a fun and healthy way to connect with nature.

Advanced hydroponic and aeroponic technologies make it possible to grow plants indoors without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions. These innovations prove especially useful in urban areas with limited outdoor and natural space.

My dream home for the future incorporates natural elements into my daily life. Making all these changes at once can be costly. But introducing nature indoors, in small ways, can improve personal and planetary health.

Here are some simple ways to bring a touch of nature into a home: Place sunflowers, roses, or lilacs in a vase on a desk or windowsill. Even a single flower can evoke memories of connecting with the natural world. Add a tabletop waterfall to the living room or bedroom, and let the calming sound of flowing water soothe the body, mind, and spirit. Start small and gradually explore ways to create a personal, nature-inspired retreat at home.

By embracing nature indoors, people nurture themselves and contribute to a healthier planet. Hold on to this dream and work toward making the vision a reality.

Imagine a future where people and the natural world connect with nature's life-force energy—what a wonderful world to live in.

 Carole Rollins has a Ph.D. in environmental science and taught at the University of California at Berkeley. She is a resident of Rio Dell.

(Link to Article, Published in The Times Standard, April 23, 2025)