Please Take a Hike

And here's yet another recent study that helps us understand how exercise can make you a better writer:

All of us have probably experienced the restorative powers of a walk in nature: the serenity seems to energize us either emotionally or mentally.  Well, according to a new study out of the University of Michigan, there is truth to this idea.  A trio of researchers led by Marc Berman writes in a recent issue of Psychological Science that a walk in nature will strengthen your cognitive powers.

In "The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature," the authors compare the restorative effects on cognitive functioning of interactions with natural and urban environments.  Even my non-science background tells me that it is intuitively true that you can think better--more clearly and more focused--in a natural environment because you don't have to worry about the potentially life-ending distractions in an urban environment, like being hit by a bus.  But this study tells us why.

Attention restoration theory (ART) proposes that our attention is divided into two components, involuntary and voluntary attention.  With involuntary attention, we focus on inherently interesting stimuli like beautiful sunsets or colorful fall leaves.  It doesn't take any extra cognitive ability to pay attention to these things.  We just do.  But voluntary, or directed, attention (it's also called "executive attention") is controlled by active cognitive processes.  We use directed attention to "resolve conflict or to suppress distracting stimulation," say the authors.  In other words, to avoid getting hit by the aforementioned bus. The authors write that "ART identifies directed attention as the cognitive mechanism that is restored by interactions with nature."

In short, interacting with a natural environment, with all its wonderful natural stimuli, gives the directed-attention part of your brain some vacation time and allows it to replenish. (I suppose this would not hold true if your walk in nature included copperheads and grizzlies, though.)  After one of those peaceful, Thoreau-like walks, you should be able to perform better on tasks that require directed attention.  Like writing!

Berman et al confirm "the restorative value of nature as a vehicle to improve cognitive functioning." They write that "simple and brief interactions with nature can produce marked increase in cognitive control."  I would imagine--and again, I am no scientist--that this is why, when faced with a crippling case of writers block, the best thing to do is walk away from your computer and go for a walk.  Or do anything that does not require directed attention. 

Lastly, I would like to point out another surprising element of the study: the authors' use of plain English.  This was their intro paragraph:

"Imagine a therapy that had no known side effects, was readily available, and could improve your cognitive functioning at zero cost. Such a therapy has been known to philosophers, writers, and laypeople alike: interacting with nature.  Many have suspected that nature can promote improved cognitive functioning and overall well-being, and these effects have recently been documented."

Wow.  A refreshingly engaging introductory paragraph from a science journal.  Certainly not your typical opener.  It invites everyone to keep reading. 

Full text of the study here.

The Boston Globe has more in a related article "How the City Hurts Your Brain."

Comments

[Stephen R. Diamond]

One speculation I've entertained about running benefiting cognitive performance focuses on distance running being a prolonged rhythmic activity. Walking is also rhythmic, but seems (subjectively) less so than running. Running on a treadmill is rhythmic in form, but the rhythm is forced on the runner by the treadmill mechanism, as opposed to being self-directed. What does rhythm have to do with cognition? Perhaps a lot because of the apparent connection between intelligence and the resolution of an internal brain clock. (See http://tinyurl.com/mm3xat) My speculation is that running, due to its rhythmic nature, might help tune the brain clock.

[Benjamin Opipari]

This is a good point, Stephen. I wonder, then, if swimming might offer the same effects.

Re walking: in previous posts I've also mentioned how Wordsworth composed all of his poems in his head while walking, and I think that the rhythmic cadence of his steps helped him with the meter of his lines.

[No Brainer]

I think it's because exercise like this pumps blood to the brain.