IN the country of my roots, Finland, having strong connections with nature is considered integral to a person’s wellbeing.

So much so, that students in any branch of health or social care are very likely to have a module on the links between wellbeing and the natural world included as part of their degree programme.

For example, research has been done on the connection between the view someone has from a hospital bed and the speed of their recovery.

Findings have shown that a person who has a view of trees (even if this is a photograph on a wall) is likely to recover more quickly than someone staring at a blank wall or an abstract painting.

In the practical part of our studies, after spending time in nature we also looked at the benefits of bringing something home to remind us of where we had been. This could be something as simple as a pine cone or an acorn from the forest floor or a pebble from the beach.

The idea of course is that symbols such as these act as positive subconscious triggers every time we catch sight of them. I have found that it is worth expanding this idea of keeping symbols in any space where you spend a lot of time.

For instance, on the rare days that I am able to work from home I always light a candle next to the laptop where I am working. For me, candles symbolise a sense of calm and relaxation. Having one lit close by therefore acts as a positive and calming trigger for my subconscious without me even having to think about it.

As an animal lover there is also always a picture of an animal in view pretty much anywhere I am sitting. I feel happy in the company of animals, so I also enjoy being reminded of them when at home.

Those with a strong spiritual faith often have a visible symbol to remind them that they are not alone in times when they might need to feel comforted.

Meik Wiking, founder of the Happiness Institute in Copenhagen, also suggests using symbols in your home that will inspire you in whatever activity you are engaged in.

He says that what we have around us both inspires us and motivates us to be who we want to be.

He adds that having visible reminders of your past achievements can be a welcome boost to a person’s self-esteem. Rather than allowing the events of the world dictate how you are feeling, why not try switching that around.

Decide first how you want to feel and then pick some concrete symbols that will help you feel that way. No-one can decide for you what your own symbols should be – that is a question for you.

The important thing is to find items or pictures that remind you of hopeful, positive or inspirational things in your own life.

No-one else even needs to understand them as long as they work for you. Now I am going to blow out my calming candle and head to the beach to look for some seaglass.

More on why I am doing that next time. Until then I wish you all a positive and inspirational week!