Can a connection to nature treat attention deficit symptoms?
Reclaiming focus in a distracted world.
Credit: Getty images
Today I’d like to discuss Attention Restoration Theory (ART): a nature therapy‘’ that explores the profound impact that nature has on our ability to be productive.
In a world dominated by 5 second TikToks and chat GPT doing our homework, it's no wonder that more and more people are struggling with attention deficits. Given the alternative of a quick dopamine release around every corner, it seems people are unable or unwilling to focus their uninterrupted attention on their work and relationships.
The average person spends approximately 90% of their time indoors, could this be a factor in such problems?.
Studies suggest that short walks in nature can improve your overall creativity, memory and productivity!
Have you considered taking a walk while at work?
Just ‘being outside’ doesn’t always have the same effect either. Spending time in nature results in markedly better health benefits than in urban settings!
In a 2009 study conducted on children with ADHD, cognitive functioning was found to be better after a 20 minute walk through a city park, instead of an urban area. Similar improvements in short term memory and mood were observed in a second trial conducted during the winter, suggesting the pleasant weather was not the cause of this effect.
Have you considered… leaving the city life altogether?
Productivity book recommendation
This week I enjoyed reading Deep Work by Cal Newport. Although he holds quite an extreme view against social media, I’ve found it very useful to be reminded (with scientific evidence) how our age of social media browsing and email interruptions is decreasing our productivity.- Ironically, writing this newsletter proves to be one of such distractions, but at the same time it educates me to search for concrete evidence to back my thoughts.
I recommend this read if you want inspiration on how to be more efficient at writing or just thinking.
A humorous anecdote from the book is the story of Peter Shankman, an author who signed a contract giving him only two weeks to write a book.
His solution to overcome this mountain of work?
Make it stand out
He booked a business class trip to Tokyo, writing uninterruptedly on the plane; he wrote for a few more hours in the business class lounge at the airport, and then returned directly to the US, submitting completed manuscript after 30 hours!
“The trip cost $4,000 and was worth every penny,” he explained.
I hope you enjoyed one of my first articles since setting up this site. Go about your week investing just a little bit more of your time, effort, love and money in science!
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