Build a green walk into your lunch break.
Busy, congested environments and long periods of concentration cause “brain fatigue.” A new study, specific in its methods, now shows that a short walk in a green space relieve brain fatigue and helps restore mental balance and energy.
Researchers in Scotland put EEGs on subjects to record their brain wave patterns and had them walk through three environments. The walk lasted about 25 minutes and the subjects were directed to use their own pace but not linger.
“The first half mile or so took walkers through an older, historic shopping district, with fine, old buildings and plenty of pedestrians on the sidewalk, but only light vehicle traffic. The walkers then moved onto a path that led through a park-like setting for another half mile. Finally, they ended their walk strolling through a busy, commercial district, with heavy automobile traffic and concrete buildings.”
The results showed that, “When the volunteers made their way through the urbanized, busy areas, particularly the heavily trafficked commercial district at the end of their walk, their brain wave patterns consistently showed that they were more aroused, attentive and frustrated than when they walked through the parkland, where brain-wave readings became more meditative. While traveling through the park, the walkers were mentally quieter.”
No Comment