Whether we like it or not, most of us spend a lot of our time indoors or in front of a screen. Add in a pandemic and lots of us are spending less time in nature than ever before. This lack of access to the natural world can lead to nature deficit disorder — marked by a decreased ability to focus and regulate stress.

Research has shown that spending time outdoors, hanging with indoor plants, or even looking at a photo of a landscape can decrease our stress levels. The good news is that even if we can’t go outside, we can bring some nature inside! By adding a zen garden to your home, you’ll have a little piece of nature to help you relax.