Shankar Vedantam

Now, I would argue that most people, of course, can at least plant a pot of flowers or vegetables wherever they live.

Does nature in miniature have the same effects on our minds?

You believe that when we go outside, it might even be beneficial to leave our devices behind and perhaps even refrain from meeting up with a friend or engaging in conversation while going for a walk.

Why is this, Mark?

So many of us spend a lot of time on screens, often because we're using computers for work or for school.

We heard from listener Lisa earlier.

She is the indigenous woman from Canada, and she has a suggestion for all of us.

What do you think of Lisa's suggestion, Mark?

Should we ditch the corner office for the walk on the beach?

You tell the story of your five-year-old son who has a lot of energy.

And one morning he was bouncing off the walls.

Pick up the story.

Tell me what you did.

Mark Berman is a psychologist at the University of Chicago.

He is the author of Nature and the Mind, the Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being.

Mark, thank you so much for joining me again today on Hidden Brain.

Hidden Brain is produced by Hidden Brain Media.

Our audio production team includes Annie Murphy-Paul, Christian Wong, Laura Querell, Ryan Katz, Autumn Barnes, Andrew Chadwick, and Nick Woodbury.

Tara Boyle is our executive producer.

I'm Hidden Brain's executive editor.