My guest is Dr. Marc Berman, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Chicago whose research explores how different physical environments—particularly nature and patterns found in nature—can positively impact our ability to focus, our cognitive performance and our mental and physical health. We discuss how our physical environment influences our attention, stress levels and brain and heart health. He explains how even brief periods in nature and exposure to natural images and sounds can restore and improve attentional capacity, reduce mental fatigue and help combat rumination and depression. Whether you live in a city, suburb or rural area, this episode offers simple science-backed strategies for incorporating nature and natural elements into your daily life to positively transform your cognitive ability and mental and physical health.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Marc Berman

00:02:14 Direct vs Involuntary Attention, Mental Fatigue, Attention Restoration Theory

00:06:59 Attention Fatigue, Focus & Vision, Tool: Restoring Attention in Nature

00:11:26 Sponsors: Helix Sleep & BetterHelp

00:13:50 Focused Work, Tool: Pre-Work Nature Breaks to Enhance Focus

00:15:54 Nature Walks & Cognitive Benefits, Comparing Nature vs Urban Environments

00:21:31 Nature, “Softly Fascinating Stimulation”, Fractals

00:27:12 Nature Images & Sounds, Cognitive Benefits

00:30:03 Urban vs Nature Images, Complexity & Image Compression; Semantics

00:40:44 Time Perception & Nature; Art Galleries

00:45:32 Tools: Resetting Attention & Nature Break; Features of a Restorative Nature Environments vs Focused Workspace; Length of Time in Nature

00:52:47 Sponsors: AG1 & Our Place

00:55:59 Nature, Time & Widening Attention; Fractals & Nature

01:02:21 Nature vs Urban Environments & Brain, Social Media & Attention

01:09:44 Depression & Rumination, Mental Well-Being, Attention & Nature

01:14:56 Sleep vs Wakefulness; Protecting Attention, Social Media

01:24:44 Sponsor: LMNT

01:26:19 Impulsivity, Texting & Attention, Meditation vs Nature Restoration

01:33:10 Passive Restorative vs Passive Depleting Activities, “Mental Obesity”, Shrinking Attention Span

01:37:31 Kids, Phones, Tool: Nature Free Play; Social Happy Hour, Tool: Solitary Nature Breaks

01:45:30 Physical Health Benefits of Nature, Trees & Indoor Greenery; Aquariums

01:53:26 Thoughts, Feelings & Physical Spaces, Biophilic Design, Bringing Nature Indoors

02:01:03 Nature Breaks, Incorporating Nature into Schools, Work, Home & Cities; Forest Bathing

02:09:18 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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Light Years Ep 41