I love getting out into nature, especially fishing. During the summer, I will often take the family out hiking and explore the forest. Picnics are also a major outing for my family in the warmer months.
Getting out into nature has a restorative effect in my life.
David Stayner (Yale School of Medience) holds a hypothesis that being in nature allows the “Brain’s command center, to dial down and rest, like an overused muscle.” Through his research, he is discovering just how much nature restores us and demonstrates this with hard data.
“Our brains, he says aren’t tireless three-pound machines; they’re easily fatigued. When we slow down, stop the busy work, and take in the beautiful natural surrounding, not only do we feel restored, but our mental performance improves.” (National Geographic January 2016 – Florence Williams interviewing David Stayner)
There are many times in the daily rhythm of my life I get so focused on a task that a mental fatigue comes over me. I have learned through this that just as other muscles have a need to be rested, so does my mind.
There is a theory called “Attention Restoration Theory”. It was developed by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan in the 1980s in their book The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. It shares that being in nature, or looking at nature pictures, relieves stress and mental fatigue caused by both work and everyday life.
In Canada, something like 80 percent of people live in urban settings and about six cities in particular. This has an effect on our physical and mental life. Research is revealing that those who have access to parks and trees will have a higher quality of life.
In my own life getting out and going for a walk during my day helps me not only physically but it helps me process my current projects and better experience life . If I am at the office I will sometimes walk down to the river where there is a little spot by some flowing water and sit for a few minutes.
As I take care of myself I am learning about the power of nature. Winter proves to be my most difficult season to get out, however, I have to make the choice to get out more and learn to dress for the weather.
Have you ever thought of your brain as a muscle?
What are rhythms you can add into the weekly schedule of your life so you can get out into nature?
[sh_quote]Here are five things I have found happen when I give rest to my mind:[/sh_quote]
A. I have a better perspective on life
B. I become more creative
C. My stress is lowered
D. I build better relationships.
E. It helps foster my faith.
Do you need help to work on improving your physical and mental life system? Who could help you with that? Is there a place for a life coach here?
Getting out into nature has a restorative effect in our lives.
It is a rhythm that helps us enter, engage and experience the life we were created for.