Searching for ways to stimulate your senses and get your brain revved up for more thinking and learning? There’s a simple way to do this that doesn’t cost a dime and is one of the best ways to boost brain function and burn some new neural pathways. Nature walks make you smarter. Just step outside and your brain will be overflowing with a variety of sensory joys and sensations.
How does being outside in nature help your brain grow?
In our constantly plugged-in, technology-driven world, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to unplug and get back to nature. And it turns out that spending time in nature might not just be good for your mental health—it might also make you smarter.
Improves cognitive function and memory
Studies have shown that nature walks can improve cognitive function and memory. Nature delivers a full sensory experience. Next time you head out for a walk in the woods, really focus on all of the sights, sounds, and textures around you. Captivate yourself with the sounds of different bird calls. Observe the crunch of leaves and sticks beneath your feet. Take note of the way the sun casts slats of sunlight through the trees and shadows at different times of the day.
You’ll activate your brain’s navigation center. Our minds must be tuned to our surroundings when we’re out and about, moving around. So we can get where we’re going and back safely. If you’ve had hiking or walking adventures before then you know we must stay hypervigilant and conscious of our surroundings in order to know where we have been and where we are heading. Things like the position of the sun, the direction that a river or stream flows, and the side of the mountain that you may be traveling can all be observed and stored in our memory to help us navigate around the natural world.
Syncs mind and body
Your brain tells your body how to move. When taking a walk outdoors, you will come across a variety of topographies, temperatures, and even changes in weather. Your brain takes in this information and then tells your body what it must do in order to adjust to these conditions and continue to move and travel safely. Your mind coordinates with your body to guide you over bumpy rocks and avoid tripping over tree roots in your path.
Your brain activates “muscle memory.” The first time you wade through a stream, you may not be aware that the rocks may be slippery.
However, once your mind has realized this, it will develop a workaround for your feet. The next time you head to the water, memory recall will allow you to change how you move and grip the rocks so that you can avoid falling.
Helps regulate body temperature
Your brain automatically helps adjust your body to changes in weather and temperature conditions. Consider all the pleasure you’ll get from simply going outside and taking a stroll or a more challenging hike in different seasons and conditions.
When it’s hot, your brain processes this extreme and sends a message to your skin to release perspiration and help your body cool down. On a cold day, your nervous system activates your shiver response to help your body warm up.
Imagine all of the different parts of your brain that are receiving and processing sensory input from just a half-hour experience of immersing yourself in nature. Going outside is all it takes to provide your brain with the sensory stimulation it needs and can drink in with wonderful abundance.
Next: Pets Are Good For Your Health | Previous: Music for Self-Care
Leave a Reply