how to connect with nature while staying indoors

While social isolation and strict measures enforced by various governments may be forcing us to continue to live within the concrete walls of our home, there are still some ways to connect with Mother Nature and experience some peace and serenity in her proximity. Here are some suggestions:

• Grow houseplants: It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, just grow some herbs or houseplants. Houseplants are an incredible way to connect with the natural world from the comfort of your home. Just go online and look up some plants that are easy to propagate and require minimal care. And if you want to go one step further and have an outdoor space available to you, plant a garden. Now is the perfect opportunity when you have both space and time to have a garden, so get your hands dirty and get going. You can find some useful resources online to start growing your garden and spend some quality time in nature. Take it slow and enjoy the process and soon you’ll have a beautiful garden — your own slice of nature — outside your home. 
• Step outside your porch or balcony and meditate on the green: It’s not necessary to grow plants if you find the process tedious or don’t have enough time on your hand. If you have a good number of trees, shrubs and plants around your home, you can simply enjoy nature in your surroundings and meditate on the greenery around you to comfort yourself, like I do every morning, for a few minutes every day.
• View natural wonders via Google Earth: Google Earth is an amazing resource if you’re inclined to travel virtually in your pajamas. At the moment, it offers an incredible opportunity to view the famous cherry blossoms —  from the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade in Tokyo to the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. — no matter where you are in the world. There are plenty of virtual tours available that can make you feel like you are right there watching a shower of pink blossoms. Incredible, isn’t it?
• Take virtual national park tours: If you’ve always wanted to check out some outdoor marvels, say, Yellowstone National Park, now is a perfect time! Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can take a trip to the scenic wonders right from your computer screen. You’ll get free access and won’t have to deal with any other tourists; it’s definitely worth checking out.
• Join a livestream: Whether you’re into forests, waterfalls, mountains, or beaches, these days there are many livestreams available via YouTube channels, Instagram Live and certain travel websites that can help you experience your favorite natural surroundings and destinations right from your couch. Just play them in the background on your TV whenever you want to feel closer to Mother Nature and to the places and environments that relax and soothe you.