August 25, 2005 4:48 PM

Getting away from it all without leaving your desk
Posted by at 4:48 PM

For many of us, summer vacations and back-to-nature getaways are already a fading memory and we're gearing up for the busyness that fall traditionally brings. Read this piece by Ellen Britt, a stress resiliency consultant, for ideas on how to get nature working for you any time of the year. (An added bonus is a link to a great nature-based flash movie called "Lessons from Water.") Here's a brief excerpt from the article:

Here's a list of 10 simple things you can do to get nature working for you, without planning an expensive trip to the mountains of Jackson Hole or the lush greenery of Costa Rica:

1. Expose your face (without make-up or sunscreen) to five minutes of sunshine every morning before work. Studies show that just five minutes of natural light in the morning can improve your mood for the entire day. So take that steaming cup of coffee or tea out to the deck or balcony before you get ready for work. An improved mood can translate into more productivity and better relationships with co-workers.

2. Make tomorrow Bring a Plant to Work Day! And make that a natural plant, not plastic, please. Plants give off healthful oxygen, as well as absorb many of the toxins found in workplace air. Green plants give you a great psychological boost as well. Studies show that people who work in offices with plants are more productive and experience less stress than those people who work in an environment without plants.