Shankar Vedantam

He is the author of Nature and the Mind, the science of how nature improves cognitive, physical, and social well-being.

Mark's research has found that humans are profoundly drawn to features that are found in nature, not just trees and grass and water, but more abstract and subtle elements.

In one study, for example, he and his colleagues showed volunteers pictures of different types of buildings, some with curved edges and some with straight edges.

What you're saying here, Mark, is that even when we are in human designed environments like buildings, we can still gain some of the benefits of the natural world if these buildings are modeled after nature.

A similar theme that listeners brought up is that not everyone has easy access to the great outdoors.

If you live in a city, maybe it's hard to get to a wooded area.

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.