A friend just sent me a YouTube video of birds singing in the woods. I was totally consumed by something I was writing at the time, and my first thought was “This is stupid. Take a nature break NOW?”
But as I’ve learned over the years, sometimes it pays to stop, take a sec, and reassess. “What the heck,” I thought. “Worth a shot.” So I sat and listened. And, despite my old buddy skepticism, I was soon smiling. I felt myself breathe out and begin to relax. Hadn’t even realized how unrelaxed I was.
Science behind taking a nature break.
First of all, it is important to know that even if you think you are the greatest multi-tasker of all time, constant work does not make for the best quality of productivity. Just productivity. There’s a difference.
Turns out that as much as being in nature is good for us, even the sounds and pictures of nature can enhance our mood, help lower blood pressure, possibly even improve concentration. Sounds such as birds chirping or music we love can lead to your brain releasing mood enhancing neurotransmitters.
And one study tells us that the more stressed you are, the more this exposure to nature (even artificial nature) can add to your body’s sense of relaxation. Although, interestingly, if you are very relaxed already, it might work (slightly) in the opposite direction.
Let Google help your nature break
So how do you find this nature music or scenes of nature? Will it cost you thousands of dollars? Not at all. Simply google “nature sounds” and check out the ones that feel most relaxing and reinvigorating to you and your spirit.
And for a certain reader whose boss drives her crazy with his noise, playing bird sounds all day on a continuous loop might be transporting for you — and a lovely revenge. Now I am NOT suggesting you actually do this, but I bet the idea made you smile. That alone brings your brain into a healthier state.
OK. Maybe not out loud.
If you do decide to take a nature break at work, unless you have a private office, probably best to use earbuds or headphones. Unless you don’t mind annoying your coworkers or maybe even getting fired. 🙂
And to offer a truly radical idea … if you can get yourself to the real thing, even better. But if you can’t, finding a way to regularly listen to and watch scenes of nature may be a simple, healthy habit that pays off big time.
More articles to help
6 Healthy Things You Can Do At Work (In a Few Minutes)
Sometimes You Just Have To Breathe Out
Neck Hurts? Hunched Over Your Computer? Posture Up!
How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!
What To Do If Your Job Makes You Miserable
What If You Never Find Your Dream Job?
Why It’s So Easy To Get Mad at Your Boss
Boss Treats You Badly? It’s Not Your Fault!
⇒   MORE Workplace Relationships
And if you do need to quit your job
⇒ How To Quit a Job (Without Hurting Yourself)
I was smiling at this story where it said certain reader. lol I have actually done just that and played thunderstorm sounds and birds chirping out loud at my desk just to drown out that noisy boss. And he even had the nerve to make fun of me for listening to Nature Sounds but I just don’t care anymore for what he thinks, at least I try not to. For anyone who thinks your suggestions won’t work, I urge them to just try it. It won’t drown out the annoying sounds completely but it does give you some peace even though you cannot get into nature physically. I use my noise dot net and I even told the owner that some days I don’t think I could get through work without their website sounds.
Now you have me smiling. I love it. Thanks for the great comment and suggestion, Sera.
Also … I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. MUCH luck!!