Succeeding at lifelong goals doesn’t happen overnight – it requires time, vision and focus. Unfortunately, all these things can take a hit from the complexities of modern life.
Too much screen time can zap our brain power. The information age brings information fatigue, and mechanised urban lifestyles only add to the tension.
Modern life is far removed from the way our ancestors lived, so it’s no surprise so many people are struggling to make their dreams a reality.
Fortunately, the great outdoors is filled with hidden wonder which can refocus your mind and channel your consciousness towards those higher aims.
Nature Provides Inspiration
The forces of nature have inspired countless artists and poets through history, but the motivating power of nature runs much deeper than this. Studies have found exposure to nature can drive creativity and, in turn, innovation.
The most obvious example of this is in biomimicry, whereby designers take inspiration directly from the natural world. But even if your work isn’t creative, nature can provide inner peace which acts as a catalyst for change.
Fresh air, flora and fauna can help to break through the noise which keeps you from flourishing.
Take a walk at sunrise to harness this healing power and you may find your days are productive, focused and more creative than before. That eureka moment might even arrive as you follow your footsteps.
Plants Boost Concentration
The digital workplace is a blessing as well as a curse. You may bank up some hours with a little help from high-tech tools, but it’s easy to lose them again in the depths of a never-ending newsfeed.
Fortunately, there’s an antidote – nature. A 2014 study from the University of Queensland found adorning an office with indoor plants was associated with a 15 per cent productivity boost.
Bringing nature indoors helps to freshen the atmosphere and, in turn, creates a sense of mental clarity, reminding us we can grow towards those ultimate goals with a little perseverance.
Nature Keeps You Grounded
What’s the most important thing in the world? Ask yourself this and you might answer differently depending on the day of the week. Nature serves as a reminder that the universe is far bigger than our lives, which can be humbling.
Working on the ways you interact with the earth acts as a grounding force, which in turn fosters thankfulness.
A sustainable lifestyle rooted in respect for the earth connects you with the fruits of nature you harvest every day – and feelings of gratitude are closely linked with success outcomes.
The ‘appreciation effect’ might be achieved by something as simple as monitoring your carbon footprint, planting a tree or switching to a greener energy provider.
Natural Beauty Is Healing
Our love for nature has deep evolutionary roots. That’s why hotel rooms facing out to nature tend to have higher price points and hospital patients who enjoy natural views recover more quickly.
In fact, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest spending time in nature has real healing properties – it lowers our stress hormones and reduces blood pressure, for starters.
If your efforts to succeed are causing stress or anxiety, nature can help to set you on a healthier path.
Researchers now think feelings of awe may be linked to this healing power – which is great news if you can’t access a mountain peak or a waterfall all that easily. Watching soothing earth-themed documentaries or hanging magnificent art by your desk might work similar wonders.
Nature Soothes the Senses
One aspect of nature’s powerful soothing effects is thought to be chemical and sensory – much like aromatherapy. Plants give off compounds which can spur healthy biological changes, according to one study from Nippon Medical School in Tokyo.
Go for a walk through a forest, taking in the sights, smells and sounds around you, and you may experience a soothing effect on the body and soul.
You can even harness a little of this power during your regular workday by placing essential oil diffusers near your workspace for a portable dose of enchantment.
As the best entrepreneurs know, opening life’s big doors requires more than just a plan.
Inner peace is also important – and the mysterious power of nature just might hold the key.
Image source – DepositPhotos