Big Brains How To Use Nature To Restore Your Focus, with Marc Berman
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Sep 4, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Marc Berman, a University of Chicago psychologist and author of 'Nature and the Mind,' reveals how nature can transform our cognitive abilities and mental health. He introduces the concept of 'soft fascination,' explaining how walks in natural settings can replenish our attention and improve well-being. Berman also shares groundbreaking findings on biophilic design, emphasizing its necessity in urban environments. Discover how integrating greenery can enhance focus, reduce crime rates, and elevate overall mental health.
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Directed Attention Is Limited But Restorable
- Directed attention is a limited cognitive resource that fatigues with use.
- Interacting with nature reliably restores directed attention and improves subsequent performance.
Use Nature Walks To Recover Focus
- When you're mentally fatigued, take a walk in nature instead of scrolling or streaming.
- Brief nature walks improve attention for adults and kids, sometimes matching medication effects for ADHD.
Soft Fascination Restores Attention
- Soft fascination captures involuntary attention without exhausting directed attention.
- Natural stimuli (waterfalls, leaves) often provide this gentle capture enabling restoration.
