© Russell Austin
Nature rejuvenates us and improves our cognitive functions, according to the study The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature by Marc G. Berman, John Jonides and Stephen Kaplan. During the course of the study that involved 38 University of Michigan students, a series of tests followed by a walk either in an urban environment or natural environment showed an impressive increase in executive functions of the brain after walking in nature. Urban walkers also experienced an increase in cognitive function but not to the same extent as those who were among the peace and quiet of trees.
In urban environments, we are forced to make decisions about avoiding traffic, alerting to horns honking or other intrusive noises, which diminishes our ability to refresh our minds. On the contrary, absorbing the sounds of leaves rustling and birds chirping helps calm us and improve our mental performance.
A second test looked at whether merely viewing nature images would help with decision making versus viewing images of urban areas. Subjects found viewing nature images more refreshing, but not mood-improving. However their cognitive function improved more when viewing nature images over urban ones.
For years nature lovers have been advocating the restorative effects of spending time outdoors, watching sunrises and sunsets and simply unwinding in the outdoors. How much would work efficiency and accuracy improve if employees were encouraged to take an hour a day to sit or walk in a natural setting? For now, we can only guess. On your next lunch hour, consider going for a walk or sitting in a botanical garden or near some trees.
In office spaces, take down cityscapes and install naturescapes. Take a five minute break every couple of hours to simply enjoy the images before you. Your mind will thank you.
Other methods to improve the way the mind works include meditation and having enough sleep.
Being healthy, taking care of ourselves and embracing our connection to nature will help us in our jobs, our relationships and our ability to love ourselves. Give it a try some time.
