

If you live in the city then chances are you're more of an indoor person. It's probably not entirely by choice since getting out into a natural setting is tough when you're in the heart of a metropolis. However, according to Jonah Lehrer at the Wall Street Journal, a growing amount of evidence suggests hanging out in nature can increase your creativity, happiness, and focus.

Research from a forthcoming paper by researchers at the University of Kansas suggests that when you wander into untamed landscapes it calms your nerves and restores your brain power. As Lehrer points out this can help you be more creative, happier, and improve your focus. In the University of Kansas study, just three days in nature lead to a 50% increase in performances on creativity tests. However, even shorter stints in nature can have a benefit. Lehrer points out a study from the University of Illinois from the '90s:


The takeaway here is that we all need to get out into nature more. Whether that means a three day camping trip or a brief walk around a city park—the benefits of stronger focus, creativity, and happiness are well worth the occasional bug bite.

Mom Was Right: Go Outside | Wall Street Journal

Photo by Emma Larkins.