the science of outdoor talk
What’s the deal with talking and why do the best conversations happen when we’re moving outside? Here’s why.
The Science of Talking
When we’re kids, we form beliefs about how the world works based on our experiences. These beliefs then determine how we think, feel, and act in the world, but the problem is these beliefs are mostly hidden from us. These underlying beliefs are stored in the brain as implicit, nonverbal memories.[1] Licensed therapists are trained to help us identify and pull these beliefs out of nonverbal forms into verbal forms through conversation, so that we can understand, look at, and even change some of these beliefs, most of which we picked up when our lives looked very different than they do now. If we change our beliefs, we can change our thoughts, feelings, and behavior—we can change our lives.
Talking with a licensed therapist also connects us to another human being, one who has the expert ability to both listen and educate, to give you the help you need on the first try, all without judgment. When we can talk honestly, we feel less alone, reducing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.[2]
The Science of Moving
When you walk, run, or bike, you’re moving both sides of your body at once. This is called bilateral movement and it activates a unique part of your brain called the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, each of which gives us very different perspectives on life. When you move, you engage both sides of the brain, calling on both perspectives to communicate and come up with something new.[3] Ever had an epiphany while exercising? Well, there you go.
Moving also helps us to think and talk by reducing levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.[4] When we move, we let go of stress, calm the body, reduce the feeling of threat, and enter the approach state of the nervous system. It is only when we are in an approach state that we can form new thoughts, learn, and grow.[5]
The Science of the Outdoors
When we spend time in nature, we experience awe. The psychological experience of awe—that sense of connectedness to something both vast and mysterious—has also been shown to reduce cortisol and put us in an approach state. In addition, awe actually engages the neural networks responsible for the human ability to think with greater perspective. Awe literally shows us the bigger picture, helping us think more clearly and feel more purposeful, solid, and connected.[6]
Whether it’s a host of trees that makes you feel connected, some physical labor to shake up your perspective, or the view from a mountain peak to make you think about the big picture, we talk better when we’re moving in nature. Message us to start an outdoor conversation that will change your life.
