If you’re still recovering from the manic lead-up to Christmas, have you wondered why we continue to chase our own tails when we know it only leaves us exhausted? Dr Jenny Brockis is the author of The Natural Advantage. She shares insights to inspire positive change.
Work is good for us, but if you’re working too hard, feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious, it’s time to do things differently, and science shows one activity to keep you well and happy.
It’s called time in nature.
Spending just a few minutes outside in a green or blue space each day can bring about profound positive health and well-being benefits. It reduces stress levels, boosts your mood, elevates your ability to solve problems, broadens your perspective, improves your ability to think well and remember more, and improves your sleep and resilience to illness and infection.
Did I mention it also makes you happier, more prosocial and more connected to the world and other people?
With so many benefits, you may wonder where to start, how much time you need to spend outside, and if you can be sure this works.
Let’s look at five ways to tap into nature’s benefits:
- Set the intention
Intention is good but also requires action. Consider adding a few extra minutes of outside time each day depending on your circumstances and location. This could be like adding 10 minutes of walk time to your daily commute, eating lunch outside, or scheduling an outdoor catch-up with a friend.
- Invite nature in
If getting outside is tricky, try greening the office using a biophilic design. It’s time to dust off that sad-looking parlour palm and maybe buy it some new friends. Inside plants help to purify and filter air, helping to reduce brain fog, while the colour green is aesthetically pleasing and calming to the brain. Natural textures, textiles and artwork invoke a similar calming effect.
- Restore your attention
Work near a window that overlooks a pleasant green or blue space where possible. Forty seconds of looking outside is all you need to relieve the cognitive fatigue that builds up from spending too much time in front of a computer screen.
Looking out onto a brick wall doesn’t have the same effect. However, a strategically positioned pot plant on your desk that you can keep in the periphery of your vision can work wonders.
- Reconnect to the wonder of the outdoors
Even if you’re not a gardener or someone who likes outdoor activities, getting out for a few minutes each day can remind you of the beauty of our natural world. Choose to engage all your senses. What do you see, hear or smell? If you love walking barefoot, it’s time to kick off your shoes and relish the sensation.
- Rediscover which aspect of nature you love the most
If you’re drawn to water, can you access a waterway, river or ocean near your home or workplace? If you prefer greenery, where is your nearest park or bushland?
Spending time outside has been shown to alter our perception of how quickly time passes, plus you get to do something that makes you feel good.
If you’ve been sucked into constant busyness and tail-chasing, it’s time to open the door and rediscover the awe and wonder of our natural world.
What one small thing will you choose to allow you to spend more time outside in nature?
Dr Jenny Brockis is giving away five signed copies of her book “The Natural Advantage”. To enter the draw, send your name, surname, telephone number and postal address to editor@executivepa.com.au before 1 April 2025.
Also read: The fully engaged EA | Executive PA Media
