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The Science Of How Nature Changes Your Brain—From Sleep To Cognition To Your Nervous System | Dacher Keltner

Nov 22, 2024

Dacher Keltner, a prominent UC Berkeley psychologist and director of the Greater Good Science Center, shares insights on the transformative effects of spending time in nature. He discusses how nature not only boosts mood and enhances cognition but also positively influences relationships and reduces stress. From the healing power of awe to practical ways of integrating nature into daily life, Keltner emphasizes that embracing the outdoors can significantly improve our emotional and physical health. Nature, he asserts, is truly a form of healthcare.

35:10

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Dacher Keltner

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Quick takeaways

Spending time in nature significantly enhances mental health and emotional well-being by reducing stress and improving mood.

Experiencing awe in natural environments fosters social bonds and altruistic behaviors, promoting collaboration and collective well-being.

Deep dives

The Transformative Power of Nature

Nature positively influences mental health and well-being, providing numerous psychological and physiological benefits. Engaging with the natural environment can enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve overall emotional health. Studies indicate that being outdoors can lead to lower cortisol levels and enhanced immune function, ultimately contributing to feelings of happiness and contentment. This perspective shifts the view of nature from a mere backdrop for leisure to an essential component of health care, emphasizing the importance of integrating nature into daily self-care routines.

Intro

3min

The Power of Awe

8min

Healing Power of Nature

12min

Connecting with Nature: The Power of Wildlife Encounters

8min

Embracing Nature: Simple Practices and the Value of National Parks

2min

Exploring Urban Nature Access and Gear for Outdoor Adventures

2min

Scientific evidence that spending time in nature has profound impacts on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

We’ve got something special planned for you today. We’re talking about the massive psychological and physiological benefits of being in nature.

Nature impacts your mood. It has a whole long list of positive benefits for your nervous system, and even changes how you are with other people. In fact, as you'll hear today’s guest say, “nature is healthcare”.

Dr. Dacher Keltner is one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, The Power Paradox, and Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He has written for many popular outlets, from The New York Times to Slate, and has consulted extensively for Google, Apple, and Pinterest, on issues related to emotion and well-being. He also hosts the podcast The Science of Happiness.

This is the first of a three-part series we’re doing focused on the benefits of spending time outside. Today we talk about how it impacts sleep, cognition, memory, your nervous system, and your relationships. Next week, we address the 80% of Americans who live in urban areas—how do you derive these benefits? And in week three, we take a deep dive on the science of walking.

Related Episodes:

#546. This Scientist Says One Emotion Might Be the Key to Happiness. Can You Guess What It Is? | Dacher Keltner

We Know Nature Is Good for Us. Here’s How To Make Time for It, Scandinavian Style | Linda Åkeson McGurk

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