Getting out into Nature
Last week we looked at how to get glimpses of nature indoors. However there is not substitute for actually getting outdoors. Research has found that time in nature and walking in nature can reduce the chance of depression, reduce the chance of high blood pressure, improve mood, improve attention, and relax at night. So why not get out into nature and reap the benefits.
Meanings for Memory – Patterns
Over the past weeks we have looked at how we can add meaning to help us remember things. This included how we familiarity and rhymes can help. This week we look at finding meaning through patterns. When things have a pattern, you are much more likely to remember them.
Connecting our Outdoors and Indoors – Getting the benefits of the outdoors at home and work
Views of nature can be so good for your health and wellbeing. By blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, incorporating micro-glimpses of nature by maximising existing views and including nature in the workplace and using pictures of nature, we can make the best use of these positive health effects.
Meanings for Memory – Rhymes
The next way we can add meaning to help us remember is through rhymes. Cast your mind back to school when you were learning so many new things? Did your teachers use rhymes to help you remember things? Things like “I before e except after c’. Rhymes give meaning to material that doesn’t inherently have meaning and in doing so, helps us to remember.
The Effect of Views of Nature
Coulthard outlines research which has correlated views of nature with improved recovery in hospital, better performance at school, and less aggression. She proposes that even short bursts of nature like looking through a window or at a picture of nature seems to relax people, increase concentration, reduce stress, and decrease blood pressure.