Originally published June 3 2015
Looking at nature for just 40 seconds can improve concentration and brain function
by L.J. Devon, Staff Writer
(NaturalNews) The colors are coming alive as tired and eager eyes peer out into a field of wildflowers bristling in the wind. Soaking it all in, the eyes transmit nature's beauty to the psyche, repairing strained eyes and mending broken thoughts. Flower tops stand out bold in the field of diversity as if they are brushstrokes of yellow and pink. Nature's palette is restoring the mind and awakening creativity.
When the eyes focus in, the backdrop of trees no longer represents just one shade of green. A spectrum of different colors and feelings reflect from a moment's glare, entering the mind, bringing clarity, vision, and feelings of oneness. All the natural cooperation and beautiful colors come together, putting everything in perspective.
After spending time in nature and observing its beauty and harmonious ways, it's so much easier to concentrate and focus on the tasks of the day. Nature's healing effect is especially noticeable in today's screen-driven society. So much of everyday life now runs through computers. At the end of the day, the average person is so worn out from the digital paradigm that going outside and observing the interconnectedness of nature becomes a sort of therapy. Is there such a thing as Vitamin N (nature) and is mankind deficient?
Just 40 seconds spent observing nature resets the brain, restoring focus
A new study from the University of Melbourne points out that just 40 seconds of vitamin N can improve concentration as well as overall brain function. The research project split 150 participants into two groups. The participants, working in high rises, were given micro-breaks that lasted just 40 seconds. One group was shown a concrete roof on their micro break. The other group was allowed to view a "flowering meadow green roof." These green roofs, which are traditional urban rooftops that are covered with grasses and plants to simulate a wild prairie, are becoming more popular around the world. The idea is fairly new to the U.S. A nine-acre green roof was constructed on the roof of the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California.
The Washington Post reported that the group that viewed the green roof throughout their work day made "significantly less errors and demonstrated superior concentration on the second half of the task, compared to those who viewed the concrete roof."
Lead researcher Dr. Kate Lee said, "This study showed us that looking at an image of nature for less than a minute was all it took to help people perform better on our task." The researchers said a simple picture depicting the beauty of nature can do the trick as well. This could lead to more studies proving the therapeutic and healing benefit of artwork and color therapy.
Nature, art, and color therapy are powerful medicine
Green roofs are not only being used to benefit the mood and mental health of workers; they are also used to reduce the retention of heat in urban areas. The rooftop nature landscapes help to cool buildings down and reduce energy use. The green roofs also benefit the environment by pulling out excess carbon dioxide from urban areas and feeding it into plant development.
When screens are tiring the eyes and taking their toll on the brain, the best therapy for regaining focus is as simple as peering out into the colors and interconnectedness of nature. Nature, art, and color therapy could be the missing links -- the healing medicine missing in society's busy, tech-driven culture. Perhaps the eyes of mankind are dying to feed the mind something that is real and authentic.
Sources:
http://www.hngn.com
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