A green environment doesn’t just look good, it changes how your mind works.
Green spaces are known to reduce stress, improve focus, and even influence the way we make decisions. They support mental wellbeing, encourage connection, and help create more sustainable, human-centered communities.
Last week, I spent a few days working from SecondHome, one of the coolest and greenest coworking spaces in London, and the shift was almost immediate. The moment you immerse yourself in that environment, work feels different: lighter, clearer, more motivating. It’s not just about productivity; it’s about how you feel while creating.
Inspired by that experience, I brought a bit of that energy home. I added eucalyptus to my room, the scent, the soft opaque green, the quiet presence and the space transformed. It’s subtle, but it hits. Green doesn’t demand attention; it quietly supports you while you work.
Scientific research supports this effect. Studies on biophilic design show that being surrounded by plants can reduce stress levels, improve focus and memory, and positively influence decision-making. Exposure to natural elements, even indoors, has been linked to lower cortisol levels, better mood, and increased productivity, while colors like green and natural scents such as eucalyptus help create a sense of calm and mental clarity.
Whether it’s a coworking space or a simple plant at home, greenery shapes more than our spaces, it shapes our mindset. And sometimes, designing a better way to work starts with something as simple as letting nature in.
