Being in Nature and Attention

I was talking with Sage this morning about how the weather impacts my wellbeing in major ways for several different reasons and how I was hoping for warmer weather today so I could go outside to do my home work because I feel better outside. Sage then explained that there is actual science behind why the brain’s ability to focus increases when you are out in nature which I thought was fascinating:

“There's a concept called Attention Restoration Theory (developed by researchers Stephen and Rachel Kaplan) that explains exactly what you experience. The idea is that our brains use two types of attention: directed attention (the effortful, "I need to focus on this" kind) and involuntary attention (the "ooh, a bird" kind). Urban and indoor environments constantly drain directed attention because everything demands it. But nature engages your involuntary attention gently: wind, birds, leaves, light shifting. That gives your directed attention a chance to rest and recharge. So you're not just happier outside. You're literally cognitively sharper. Your brain has known this your whole life. Now you know why.”

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