Spontaneous attention in nature
When we spend time in nature, we are faced with impressions that do not require focused attention, which our senses take care of effortlessly.
A study by Rachel and Stephen Kapland, professors of Psychology at the University of Michigan, demonstrates a theory of directed and spontaneous attention.
Our brain processes millions of information signals every second. In our daily lives, we use directed attention for things like planning, making decisions or remembering to buy something. This type of attention stresses the brain and costs a lot of energy.
When we spend time in nature, we are faced with impressions that do not require focused attention, which our senses take care of effortlessly.
So-called spontaneous attention can therefore be said to be the brain's own resting place.
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