Attention Restoration

Today’s busy world can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, and numb. Many research studies recognize links between a person’s wellbeing and interacting with nature. Ecopsychology integrates psychology and ecology, supporting an emotionally- and ecologically-healthy lifestyle. I have focused my PhD research on Stephen and Rachel Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART). There is overwhelming research evidence supporting their idea that exposure to nature reduces stress and anxiety. Nature’s soft fascinations, the sound of rustling leaves or watching floating cloud formations, brings about restorative healing and improves attention.

tags: ecopsychology, ecotherapy,  therapy, counseling, santa cruz, carmel, addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, attention restoration, richard louv, craig chalquist, vipassana, mindful meditation, nature, ecology, mary orr, native american, sun dance