Your Brain Wasn’t Built for This: Why Nature Heals Us
I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking about distraction.
We live in a world filled with constant buzzing and dinging. . . pings, emails, and deadlines, alongside endless to-do lists. I was fortunate, however, to grow up in a world where smart phones didn’t exist (we barely had mobile phones), the internet was slow and relegated to one shared computer in a specific room in the house, television was a social activity (not alone on a personal screen), and when I came home for the night I was truly separated from everyone except my immediate family – a world in which silence, disconnection, and boredom were common occurrences.
Although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, I am so thankful to have been able to have time to myself, to have uninterrupted space to focus deeply on tasks, and to have experienced the creativity and peace that accompany boredom and daydreaming. And while modern life keeps us connected and productive in ways I could have never imagined 30 years ago, it’s also pushing our brains into overdrive.
As I shared recently on the 10 Adventures Podcast, I know this firsthand. My life once revolved around constant productivity, achievement, and pressure - until burnout forced me to re-evaluate everything. It wasn’t until I stepped away from the grind, moved to Colorado, and began spending time outdoors that I truly started to feel like myself again.
Here’s why:
Your Brain Wasn’t Built for This Life
From an evolutionary perspective, we were designed to live in natural environments with wide-open views and intermittent challenge/excitement amongst long periods of calm/quiet. But today, most of us live indoors, under artificial light, with constant stimulation. This mismatch between what our brain evolved for and how we live today is a major driver of chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional burnout.
But what can we do about it? For most of us, we can’t leave our day jobs, live mostly outdoors, and detach from our current existence. . . This challenge drove me to consider small ways we could better align our world to our evolutionary past – without overhauling our existing lives.
The Neuroscience of Nature
Research shows that nature exposure directly reduces amygdala activity (the brain’s fear and stress center) while boosting prefrontal cortex function – which helps you regulate emotions, think clearly, and make better decisions. Being in nature also boosts dopamine, serotonin, and even endogenous opioids - neurochemicals that improve mood, motivation, and resilience.
Even a few minutes of nature, like looking at a tree outside your window, taking a walk, or simply glancing at a nature photo, can improve focus and emotional regulation. And longer adventures? They offer lasting benefits for days or even weeks.
Why This Matters for Your Family, Work, and Relationships
When you’re outside, you’re not just calming your nervous system - you’re also deepening your relationships. Nature fosters empathy, patience, and presence. It gives us space to connect, not just with ourselves, but with our kids, our partners, our colleagues.
So What You Can Do. . . Right Now:
A window view of trees or green space can boost mood and focus.
Indoor plants can improve air quality and reduce stress in office settings.
Nature sounds (like birdsong or running water) can lower heart rate and enhance calm.
Virtual nature exposure (like videos or green imagery) offers measurable mental health benefits – including improved focus and attention.
In short: every bit counts.
You don’t need a mountain or beach getaway home to reap the rewards. Small, consistent steps can radically shift how you feel, think, and connect.
