Why Nature Isn't Working for You | Lab Notes

Most of us think that just getting outside is enough.But if your attention is on your phone, your brain is still operating like you’re indoors… and you’re missing a lot of what nature is actually doing for you.In this Lab Notes episode of Next Door Neuro, I break down how your phone may be undermining the benefits of being outside - and why presence, not just location, is what actually matters. I explore why nature helps reduce stress, restore attention, and quiet rumination - and how those benefits can be lost if your attention is somewhere else. I also share two simple ways to start getting more out of the time you’re already spending outside.In this episode:• Why being outside doesn’t automatically reduce stress • How your phone keeps your nervous system “on” • What “soft fascination” is, and how it restores attention • How nature helps quiet anxiety and rumination • Two simple ways to get more out of time you’re already spending outsideTry this:• Stand still longer than feels normal• Pause before reaching for your phoneMentioned in this episode:Being Outside Isn’t Enough - conversation with Sarah Nielsenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpXhaC7JQK0&t=10sIf your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?