Increased Creativity and Cognition in Response to Natural Stimuli

Increased interactions with media and technology, conversely leading to a decrease in time spent participating in activities in nature, have well-documented physical ramifications. How does this shift in lifestyle affect cognition, though? Recent research indicates that exposure to natural settings can replenish some modules of the executive attentional system. These types of exposures can also have beneficial effects on creative problem solving, as well.

It has been hypothesized that natural stimuli are both emotionally positive and low-arousing. There’s also a corresponding decrease in exposure to attention demanding technology when we increase our exposure to nature, which can further allow for restored cognitive function.

Since 1981, there has been an 18–25% decline in nature-based recreation per capita. Alternatively, 80% of children of kindergarten age are computer users, and the average 8–18 year old spends over seven and a half hours per day using one or more types of media. These high levels of engagement with technology and the inherent multi-tasking that is involved with it place an increased demand on executive attention. Natural environments, as compared to those indoors where these technological interactions usually take place, are associated with a gentle, soft fascination.

While improved creative problem solving has been observed in response to natural stimuli, this cognitive replenishment could also be due to the reciprocal removal of the costs associated with use of technology. Exposure to the natural world has undeniable effects on us, whether it be physical or mental. By increasing the amount of time immersed outdoors without the presence of mentally-demanding technology can improve the well-being of children and adults, with improved creative problem solving being just one of the many beneficial effects of natural stimuli.

At Treebath, we believe that connecting children to a world without internet could help them to develop a life-long respect for the world we live in. Let your kids explore nature with our forest therapy for the little explorers. Check out more on our website.