News Flash: Scientists find Nature is Relaxing!!

There have been several articles recently about the value of taking a break in a natural setting. One reports on a study that found that children diagnosed with ADHD could focus better after they had taken a 20 minute walk in a natural setting, like a park. The same walk in an urban setting or residential neighborhood did not have the positive effect.

In a follow-up article, the New York Times interviewed researcher Andrea Faber Taylor, who explained the study as follows:

"...the human brain has two forms of attention: “directed” attention, which is what we use most of the time to concentrate on work, studies and tests, and “involuntary” attention, which is what occurs when we automatically respond to things like running water, crying babies or wild animals. The problem is that directed attention is a finite resource — everyone has experienced the fatigue of taking a test or a big project at work. Attention restoration theory suggests that walks in nature and views of green space capture our involuntary attention, giving our directed attention a needed rest. "

This is why we have a farm - attention restoration therapy!