HOW NATURE RESTORES YOUR MIND
Most people know on some level that nature is good for them, which is why they take to the country or the tropics whenever their vacation times let them. But it’s not just the lack of sunlight and vitamin D that keeps people coming back to nature. Most people, especially those in creative and knowledge careers, need time to let their minds rest and reorganize to remain productive and attentive, and nature is the best place to give your mind that freedom.
Nature lets the mind refresh by significantly cutting what it has to deal with at any one moment, staying in that relaxing, sweet spot, neither bored nor stressed. The human mind innately knows how to handle natural inputs after hundreds of thousands of years of genetic experience. Natural environments don’t demand much conscious attention or problem solving,
Nature Gets You Away from the Information Flood
The restorative effects of nature have a lot of evidence behind them. (theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/03/hownature-resets-our-minds-and-bodies/274455/) Researchers have found that nature helps people reduce stress and anxiety, solve challenging problems, and maintain productivity. Nature can even help restore physical health. Patients in hospital rooms with a natural view recover faster than those without one.
The addictive effects of social media and apps play havoc with people’s attention, and many people, including former social media execs, now worry deeply about the addictive, anxiety-inducing effects of social media. (techcrunch. com/2017/07/30/the-attention-economy-created-by-siliconvalley-is-bankrupting-us/) With that in mind, some people are even taking month-long detox vacations away from social media. (fastcompany.com/3049138/what-really-happens-to-your-brainand-body-during-a-digital-detox)
The rush, noise, and hazards of urban life are nowhere to be found in the babbling of a brook or the rustling of trees. Urban and work environments deplete the mind’s mental energies with a constant influx of stressful inputs and irritants. There’s a reason your brain fights you after working all day.
Most don’t have the luxury of such long periods away from the stresses of modern life, but even a short walk in the local park can do wonders. Stay away from the phone, and just be a part of nature for a bit. Treat yourself to the luxury of a few moments without the constant influx of information.
Nature Gives You Room to Think
continued on page 8 February 2019 | 50 + Living
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