Why Taking a Break Can Lead to Greater Productivity
The speed at which our modern lives move is growing incrementally faster. Our days are dominated by screens, schedules, and never-ending to-do lists. In the momentum of maintaining this blistering pace we begin to wonder, what will happen if we stop? According to research, hitting pause is exactly what we need to do. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of our daily grind and stepping into nature gives our body and mind time to rest, relax and reset.
Researchers have determined that spending time in nature can have a profound beneficial impact on our mental health. Immersion in nature provides an escape from the demands of everyday life and promises an opportunity to rejuvenate our bodies and minds in ways that science continues to unfold. From reducing stress hormones to increasing attention and sparking creativity, spending time in nature unlocks a myriad of benefits that can help us feel better and live better.
The six key mental health benefits that researchers attribute to spending time in nature are:
Reduced Stress Levels
Exposure to nature has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone released by the body in response to stress. Studies show that the sights, sounds and smells of nature can promote relaxation, leading to a decrease in stress and therefore in the body’s cortisol production.
Improved Mood
Time in nature is often associated with improved mood and decreased feelings of anxiety and depression. The beauty and tranquility of natural environments can have a positive impact on emotional well-being.
Better Sleep
Time in nature provides an increased exposure to natural light during the day, which can help regulate our body’s circadian rhythms, our “internal clock.” Exposure to natural light during the day can also help optimize our body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles.
Increased Attention and Focus
Nature is believed to have calming restorative qualities that provide us with a respite from the constant distractions of everyday life. In nature, we can give our minds a restorative break from directed attention to things such as work, school, or other obligations, and an opportunity to wander, relax, observe. This opportunity for our minds to rest reduces mental fatigue and leads to improved focus when we return to those tasks.
Enhanced Creativity
When we step into nature and allow our mind to rest, relax and reset, we free up cognitive resources, which leads to an increase in brain function and attention. This time also creates a space for mind-wandering and reflection, which increases the likelihood of a creative insight or novel idea.
Heightened Levels of Mindfulness and Presence
Spending quiet time in a natural environment encourages us to be fully engaged in its sights, sounds and smells. It fosters mindfulness by giving us an opportunity to be present in the moment and promotes a sense of peace and well-being.
Stepping away from the busyness of everyday life does not mean shirking our duties or obligations. To the contrary, spending this time in nature is proven to enhance our attention to and performance of our duties, and allows us to feel better as we complete them.
While it may feel as if we cannot afford to make time in our schedules for a short walk in the woods, given the significance of the benefits associated with doing so, the better question may be how can we afford not to?