This week’s tip is short and simple. Research from the University of Melbourne found that subjects performance and concentration increased while performing menial tasks increased after looking for 40 seconds at a screen filled with a green flowering meadow. Other participants who saw only a plain concrete roof saw their performance and concentration decrease.
On a similar note, one idea recently came across and love is the Japanese idea of “forest bathing”, where simply being in the presence of a forest can be good for our health. This can include taking a walk/hike, going for a picnic, or just spending time relaxing and breathing in the smells and scents of the forest. This idea was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan and is a recognized relaxation and stress management activity.
So when you need a short break or want to include a bit more nature into your life (even for the folks who spend most of their time in front of a screen), load up a photo of a beautiful nature scene or get out into the forest for a bit of R&R to recharge and improve your productivity.
[Got a Tip?] If you have a tip to share with your fellow urban farmers, let us know at tips@youngurbanfarmers.com. Want More Tips? Browse our Tips Archive for more.
