How to survive in this hectic world ? Go back to nature. Alex Smalley guides us through the evidence that shows that connecting with nature and its sounds can save us. How to use the power of awe, the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world, how to indulge in soft fascination, how to simply listen to birds, rain, whales or moving ice to replenish, increase focus, relax and find happiness. Each episode is in two parts: the research evidence and then a moment of pure sound, with one that made me smile: the evolving sounds of a typical British year. A manifest to slowing down, listening to our surroundings and living in the present, letting the cycle of seasons, nature and life flow around us. It took me a long time to listen to these eight episodes because I fell asleep each time. A truly wonderful podcast.
“In a world dominated by constant stimulation, particularly for those living in busy cities, navigating daily life can strain our mental resources. From busy timetables to alerts, email, meetings and even social interactions, we’re bombarded with demands on our attention. We have to constantly resist distractions and focus instead on the sometimes less interesting task at hand. Over time, this can leave us feeling drained and zoned out. Psychologists call this feeling cognitive fatigue. In the 1980s and 90s, researchers noticed that natural environments seem to offer the perfect antidote to this problem. They could provide us with a way to recharge our brains batteries.”
Eight episodes of approximately 15 minutes each
Episode 1. How to Listen to Nature
Episode 2. Easing Your Worries
Episode 3. Boost Your Focus
Episode 4. Finding Relaxation
Episode 5. Building Empathy and Happiness
Episode 6. Lift Your Mood With Nostalgia
Episode 7. Release Stress With Nature’s Music
Episode 8. Embracing Change