For over three decades, L. Jay Mitchell has founded and led three adolescent programs, including the Alldredge Wilderness Journey and his current pursuit, Greenbrier Academy. The programs started by L. Jay Mitchell aim to help participants heal negative core beliefs through both therapeutic interventions and the power of nature.
Based on a Nielsen Total Audience Report from 2016, most people in the United States spend over 10 hours a day looking at a screen. However, being in nature has a plethora of mental benefits for people. It is uniquely capable of healing people and reducing feelings of anger, stress, and fear. This boosts overall mental well-being, while also impacting physical health by reducing blood pressure and muscle tension. Simply having a plant in a room produces this effect, as well, as does viewing nature scenes.
Nature also aids in coping with physical pain. This is because the brain focuses on nature elements, like water and trees, when outdoors. People are so absorbed by nature scenes that they are distracted from their discomfort and pain. They tolerate pain better when viewing nature, and have fewer negative effects associated with pain.
Nature sounds also hold benefits. Chirping crickets, crashing waves, and other natural sounds boost performance on demanding cognitive tests. This is in contrast to people listening to busy coffee shops or city sounds, who didn’t see the same benefit.
