Spring is finally here--this always inspires a nature-themed blog on Raising the Bar. This year, we're sharing six ways you can bring nature to your doorstep.
Attorneys are no stranger to stress. Long hours, high-pressure cases, and constant deadlines can often lead to burnout. One of the best ways to boost your mental well-being? Reconnecting with nature. Research consistently shows that spending time in the great outdoors can reduce stress and improve mental health--something we all could use more of, but particularly lawyers.
Of course, your busy schedule might not lend itself to daily walks around the park. That's why we're writing about how to bring nature to you, allowing you to enjoy it from your home or office. This is the perfect time to ponder how nature isn't just something we protect...it's something we can integrate into our lives.
Let's dive in!
Create water sources. Water is the lifeblood of Earth, sustaining every ecosystem. Since all life depends on it, creating water sources is a surefire way to bring in wildlife, especially during the hot summer months when it becomes an even more precious resource. Consider installing a small pond, setting out a bird bath, or even buying a bubbling fountain. It will bring in all sorts of guests. Also, the sound of running water is soothing to hear and reduces stress. Win-win.
Offer food. Some of us only show up to office parties when there's free food, right? Well, animals are the same way. Make your local birds happy by providing a variety of birds feeders offering seeds, nuts, suet, or fruit. Don't have anywhere to hang a feeder? There are simple tray feeders you can stick to your window with the help of suction cups.
Another great food source is trees and shrubs that produce fruit and berries. You'll be the most popular place in town if you introduce such a valuable food source, which doubles as a place for animals to perch, hide, or rest in. Just make sure you're planting a native species (more on that in a bit).
Finally, if you are a fan of composting, keep at it! Compost not only enriches the soil, but it attracts beneficial insects and invertebrates. Insects attract birds and other animals going up the food chain. If you'd like to learn more, check out this beginner's guide to composting from NPR.
Plant a garden. There are all sorts of options when it comes to planting a garden! Who doesn't love to grow and harvest their own food in a vegetable garden? A pollinator garden is a fantastic choice to help out our busy bumblebee and honeybee populations. Or if you're a bird-lover, plant a unique garden with hummingbirds' favorite flowers. Any hummingbird garden is bound to beautiful since they're attracted to bright colors. Finally, if you're a bit low on space, or would rather grow a garden indoors, opt for an herb garden. You can fit a number of herbs into a single planter, and they'll happily grow side by side.
No matter what you choose, planting a garden is one of the best ways to connect with nature. It reduces screen time, calms you, and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment (and the freshest veggies around)!
Don't have a backyard? Don't let that stop you! If you have a porch, balcony, or railing, you can still fill that space with hanging planters. Tomatoes do particularly well in pots so long as they're getting enough sunlight and water. Keep in mind that water drains faster from pots and raised beds, so be sure to keep everyone thoroughly hydrated.
Focus on native species. You might not realize it, but our area is teeming with invasive species who are not a natural part of the ecosystem or food chain. Invasive plants have a habit of aggressive growth and spread and will easily crowd out native species. They often have no natural predators to eliminate them, either. That's where you come in. The next time you have a spot of downtime, arm yourself with a plant identification app, and take a stroll around your yard. Try to identify each plant, shrub, and tree, and classify it as native or invasive. If it's invasive, rip it out and replace it with a native species! It's a great deal of work, but it's worth it in the end to have a more natural environment. Besides, native plants are usually lower maintenance in the long run.
Check out this article from Stauffers of Kissel Hill to learn more about the benefits of native plants, as well as recommendations for what you can plant in your yard.
Leave some areas wild. A manicured lawn sprayed in chemicals has no place in the natural world, especially since pesticides can harm helpful insects. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for nature is to not interfere at all. Leaving a portion of land untouched might be the easiest action (or lack of action) on this list. Wild, unmowed areas offer a lot to wildlife. Leaf litter and brush piles provide shelter and food. Wildflowers invite bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Nature is a delicate balance, but also pretty good at working itself out when it needs to.
Nature can be a powerful tool to reduce stress and enhance your mental clarity. The best part? It's all around you and doesn't require a major lifestyle change. With a little bit of effort, you can bring it straight to your doorstep and experience the benefits firsthand.
If you'd rather have nature inside with you rather than outside, we've got you covered there, too. Look forward to yet another blog post on even more unique and low-maintenance plants for your office, coming next week!
