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Speaking of Psychology

Why nature is good for your brain, with Marc Berman, PhD

Speaking of Psychology

Kim Mills

Science, Life Sciences, Health & Fitness, Mental Health

4.5839 Ratings

🗓️ 3 December 2025

⏱️ 39 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In an age of increasing distractions, researchers have found that spending time in nature can be an antidote that helps us restore our focus and attention. Marc Berman, PhD, talks about why natural environments are “softly fascinating” and why that’s beneficial for the brain; why even cold, rainy walks can be good for you; whether bringing nature inside – through plants, art or patterns – may have some benefits; and what implications this research has for policymakers, urban planners and others who shape our physical world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Why are businesses like HelloVet choosing Apple products and services?

0:04.8

So we started the business two years ago.

0:07.2

We had a few people who were used to PCs and this was their first foray into Macs.

0:12.5

But it's been super smooth getting everyone onto those devices and everyone seems really, really happy.

0:18.0

Find out how Mac can help you run and grow your business at apple.com forward slash

0:23.6

HelloVet.

0:26.2

When you're stressed or overwhelmed, do you ever just go for a walk to clear your head?

0:31.8

Many of us feel intuitively that nature is good for us.

0:36.0

We know that spending time outside among trees or near the

0:39.2

water can help us feel calmer, clearer, and more focused. Now a growing body of research is

0:45.9

proving our intuitions right. Psychologists and other researchers have found that access to nature

0:51.4

is critical to people's mental and physical health.

0:55.1

And in an age of constant distractions, they're also finding that spending time in nature

1:00.1

can help us recapture our powers of focus and concentration. So what is it about natural

1:06.4

environments that is so beneficial for our brains? Do we need to spend time in unspoiled forests or on hiking trails to see these effects,

1:14.6

or can city trees and parks work just as well? What can you do to interior spaces like your home to make them feel more natural?

1:22.6

What if you're not an outdoorsy person? Do you have to enjoy spending time in nature to benefit from it?

1:29.9

And what implications does this research have for policymakers, urban planners, and others who shape our physical world?

1:38.3

Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, the flagship podcast of the American Psychological Association that examines the links between

1:45.6

psychological science and everyday life.

1:48.2

I'm Kim Mills.

1:51.5

My guest today is Dr. Mark Berman, a professor of psychology at the University of Chicago,

...

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