At first glance, a rabbit in a cage might seem dull—lacking personality, social engagement, or joy. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I have three rabbits, and when they’re free to roam our walled garden, they come alive. Storm, our most adventurous rabbit, fist-bumps me with her head, digs new holes daily, races around the garden, and even sits beside me as I work.
Watching Storm explore made me reflect on my own work environment. As an academic, I spend hours in front of a screen, often in the same room. It made me wonder—am I in a cage too?
A recent review identified three nature-based interventions that can support mental health and creativity at work:
– Green exercise: Physical activity in nature, like a lunchtime walk while focusing on your surroundings.
– Nature savoring: Taking intentional breaks outdoors to observe and emotionally connect with nature.
– Green workspaces: Bringing nature indoors through plants and natural elements.
As this academic year begins, I’m challenging myself to escape the cage more often—to seek out green spaces, even if just for a short walk or a moment in the garden. It’s not always easy, but the benefits to mental health and creativity are worth it. Maybe it’s time we all asked: what’s our cage, and how can we step outside it?
📚 Reference: Nature-Based Interventions Review – https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/2/390
#MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #NatureBasedInterventions #GreenSpaces #AcademicLife #Creativity #LinkedInBlog
💬 I’d love to hear how others are integrating nature into their work routines. What helps you escape your ‘cage’? Share your thoughts below!
A.A.Soundy@bham.ac.uk