Have you ever heard of the attention restoration theory?
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is an interesting concept that explains how spending time in nature can help refresh our minds and improve our focus.
Attention Restoration Theory, developed by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, suggests that nature has a unique ability to restore our mental energy. When we spend too much time on tasks that require intense focus, like coding or managing projects, our directed attention becomes fatigued. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress.
Nature, however, engages our minds in an effortless way. This allows our directed attention to rest and recharge. Imagine walking through a park or sitting by a lake - these experiences don't require much cognitive effort, but they captivate us enough to let our brains recover. No wonder I usually have the best ideas while walking in the park or being at the beach! Here are some simple activities based on ART that you can incorporate into your daily routine:
Take a walk in the park. A 15-30 minute walk can significantly refresh your mind.
Gardening. Even tending to a small garden or indoor plants can have calming effects.
Outdoor meetings. If possible, hold meetings outside or go for a walking meeting.
Breaks by a window. If you can't get outside, spend a few minutes looking out of a window at natural scenes.
Next time you're feeling drained, step outside and let nature work its magic!
Cheers, Irina 😊