Life in today’s world is more stressful than ever. And that stress sneaks into our families. We see it displayed in increased agitation, disagreements, and feelings of disconnection. But a recent review of over 100 brain-imaging studies reveals a way to reset our brains. And, it can have an effect in as little as 3 minutes! What could impact us so much in so little time? Connecting with the natural world.

After synthesizing the results of over 100 brain-imaging studies, researchers identified four ways in which nature helps reset our brain and reduce stress.

• First our brain experiences a shift in sensory processing. Nature is filled with repeating, complex patterns that our brain processes more easily than the fast-paced, visually changing, and dense sensory stimuli found in cities and online. As a result, processing visual stimuli and other sensory data in a natural environment requires less mental effort than processing the data of an urban or digital environment.
• As the sensory load eases, our bodies slip out of the fight-or-flight mode. Our heart rates slow and our breathing gets deeper. Our amygdala, the threat detection center of the brain, shows reduced activity. Our stress systems relax…we relax.
• With stress reduced we move into a more “restorative mode of attention guided by our environment” instead of the task-driven attention we experience at work and online. We relax and enjoy nature and the restorative mode of neural processing it brings. Our “focus is gently guided by the environment” rather than rapidly and harshly shoved from one activity and topic to another with each click of the mouse, each reel, each news item.
• Finally, the brain networks associated with repetitive, self-focused thinking (such as “What do I have to get done?” “What’s next on my agenda?” “Watch the other cars.” “Hurry.” “What’s he going to think if I do that?” “What did she say?”) becomes less active. In other words, our mind becomes less cluttered, supporting a calmer self.

Does that sound like something you might like? I know I would. What about your family? Might they enjoy this as well? In fact, it might help the whole family get along better. So, here’s a challenge. Take time this week (and every week) to spend time in nature, once alone and once with your family. As little as 3 minutes can make a difference, although a longer, more immersive time will have an even greater effect. You might even try renting a cabin for the weekend and spending a whole weekend in the forest. But beware. You might find your whole family enjoys this activity and the accompanying reduction stress and increase in relaxation. They may like it so much they want to do it every week. You might find yourself enjoying your family and nature every week. Come to think of it…what a blessing that would be!