@Theo Younger Theo Younger is on the Integrated Training team as our Research & Education Advisor and Workshop Facilitator — here he talks about why you should start thinking about getting in nature more. Spending time in nature is one of the most powerful and underused tools for wellbeing and performance. Research shows that natural environments reduce cortisol (your primary stress hormone), lower heart rate and blood pressure, and restore balance to the nervous system — helping you shift out of “fight-or-flight” and into a calmer, more restorative state. On top of that, being in nature sharpens focus and attention. Studies on “attention restoration theory” show that natural settings allow the brain’s fatigued cognitive systems to recover, improving clarity, problem-solving, and creativity. This means you’re not only calmer, but you think and perform better after time outdoors. For busy professionals and athletes alike, nature becomes a reset button — enhancing recovery, improving sleep cycles through circadian rhythm alignment, and providing the balance your body and mind need to sustain energy and clarity under pressure.