Nature's Brain Boost: Restoring Attention and Well-being
How Nature Heals Us
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Books
- Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-being by Mark Berman - This is the book by the guest psychologist, Mark Berman, that discusses the science behind nature's positive effects on well-being.
Research & Studies
- Study on patient recovery from gallbladder surgery (Roger Ulrich) - This study found that patients with views of nature recovered faster and used less pain medication than those with views of a brick wall.
- Attention Restoration Theory (Stephen Kaplan and Rachel Kaplan) - This theory proposes that natural environments can restore directed attention by engaging involuntary attention without overwhelming cognitive resources.
- Biophilia Hypothesis (E.O. Wilson) - This hypothesis suggests that humans have an inherent love for nature and the natural world.
- Prospect Refuge Theory (J. Appleton) - This theory posits that environments offering both prospect (visibility for resources) and refuge (safety and concealment) are preferred.
People Mentioned
- Mark Berman (Psychologist at the University of Chicago) - The primary guest and author of the book discussed, who researches how nature impacts the mind.
- Roger Ulrich (Psychologist) - Known for a seminal study on hospital patient recovery and views from windows.
- E.O. Wilson (Evolutionary Biologist) - Proposed the Biophilia Hypothesis.
- J. Appleton - Proposed the Prospect Refuge Theory.
- Stephen Kaplan (Psychologist) - Co-developed the Attention Restoration Theory.
- Rachel Kaplan (Psychologist) - Co-developed the Attention Restoration Theory.
- Jackson Pollock (Artist) - Mentioned as an example of an artist whose mental state and work were potentially influenced by a move to a more natural environment.
- Lee Krasner (Painter) - Jackson Pollock's romantic partner who encouraged his move to Long Island.
- Christopher Alexander (Architect) - Encouraged architects to mimic nature's patterns in their designs.
- Candace Vogler (Philosopher) - Joked about the restorative power of architecture, referencing Duke's Durham Chapel.
- Dr. Molly Sands (Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian) - Discussed how Loom is transforming teamwork through asynchronous communication.
Organizations & Institutions
- Kaiser Family Foundation - Analyzed government data on prescription drug use for mental health.
- Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, California - Ran a program using surf therapy to treat military veterans.
- University of Chicago - Mark Berman's institution.
- University of Michigan - Where Mark Berman was a graduate student.
- Atlassian - Sponsor of the Hidden Brain 2025 Perceptions Tour, discussed in relation to their product Loom.
- Pacific Life - Sponsor of the podcast.
- Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) - Sponsor of the podcast.
Websites & Online Resources
- hiddenbrain.org/tour - Website for purchasing tickets to the Hidden Brain Perceptions Tour.
- hiddenbrain.org - Website for the Hidden Brain podcast.
- adt.com - Website for ADT home security systems.
- wholefoodsmarket.com - Website for Whole Foods Market.
- att.com/guarantee - Website for AT&T's connectivity guarantee.
- claude.ai/hiddenbrain - Website to try Claude AI for free.
- aquasana.com - Website for Aquasana water filters.
- stripe.com - Website for Stripe payment processing.
- landroverusa.com - Website for the Defender 110.
- support.hiddenbrain.org - Website for Hidden Brain Plus subscriptions.
- apple.co/hiddenbrain - Apple podcast link for Hidden Brain Plus.
- loom.com - Website for Loom video messaging.
Other Resources
- Surf therapy - A six-week therapeutic program involving surfing, used to treat veterans with PTSD and depression.
- Nature sounds - Listening to nature sounds was found to improve performance on cognitive tasks.
- Nature paintings - Used to bring elements of nature indoors.
- Sound machines with nature sounds - Used for children to help them sleep.
- Westin Hotel at Detroit Metro Airport - Featured an indoor space with artificial bamboo trees and water features, creating a restorative environment.
- Doha, Qatar airport - Has an area designed to look like a wildlife habitat with some real trees and green carpeting.
- Green walls - Often incorporated into airport designs, potentially to calm passengers.
- Gothic architecture - Mentioned as an example of architecture that mimics natural patterns and is generally preferred over rectilinear styles.
- Gaudi architecture - An example of curvy architecture that mimics nature.
- Brutalist architecture - Mentioned as an example of rectilinear architecture that people tend not to enjoy as much.
- University of Chicago campus buildings - Described as beautiful gothic architecture that mimics nature's patterns.
- Law library at the University of Michigan - Described as having a grand and intricate reading room, preferred over the undergraduate library.
- Backwards digit span task - A cognitive task used to measure directed attention abilities.
- Loom by Atlassian - A video messaging platform that replaces meetings with asynchronous communication.