Nature improves Cognition

Vella-Brodrick and Gilowska conducted a literature review “examining the effects of nature interventions on the cognitive functioning of young people aged 5 to 18 years. Examples of nature interventions include outdoor learning, green playgrounds, walks in nature, plants in classrooms and nature views from classroom windows. These can vary in duration and level of interaction (passive or active). . . . Results provide substantial support for cognitive benefits of nature interventions regarding selective attention, sustained attention and working memory. Underlying mechanisms for the benefits were also explored, including enhanced wellbeing, cognitive restoration and stress reduction—all likely to be contributors to the nature-cognition relationship. . . . providing young people with opportunities to connect with nature, particularly in educational settings, can be conducive to enhanced cognitive functioning. Schools are well placed to provide much needed ‘green’ educational settings and experiences to assist with relieving cognitive overload and stress and to optimize wellbeing and learning.”

Dianne Vella-Brodrick and Krystyna Gilowska.  2022. “Effects of Nature (Greenspace) on Cognitive Functioning in School Children and Adults:  A Systematic Review.”  Educational Psychology Review, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 1217-1254, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-022-09658-5