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Why Do We Remember Outdoor Experiences So Well?
Did you ever go on a school visit as a child? What was your most memorable trip?
I often ask adults this question, and the answer is usually something that took place outdoors: a residential adventure, a visit to the coast, a walk in the countryside, or a day exploring somewhere new.
Why do these experiences stay with us so vividly?
Outdoor experiences stimulate our brains in different ways. They engage all of our senses, offer variety and novelty, and often create strong emotions and lasting impressions.
From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense. Humans evolved with a close connection to nature and the outdoors. Without an understanding of the natural world, we simply would not have survived. We needed to recognise the seasons, know where food came from, understand what was safe to eat, and learn how to protect ourselves from the elements.
It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that life began to change dramatically for humans and for nature. As technology advanced, populations grew, towns expanded into cities, and many people became increasingly disconnected from the natural world around them.
As urbanisation has increased, access to high-quality green spaces has become more limited for many people. The less contact we have with nature, the easier it becomes to lose our knowledge, understanding and appreciation of it.
What Does Nature Do for Us?
Nature helps us relax
Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Many people notice that their breathing slows, their muscles loosen, and they feel calmer after spending time outdoors.
Nature creates meaning and emotion
Beauty can be found almost everywhere in nature. Whether it’s a towering oak tree, a patch of wildflowers, or a bee busily collecting pollen, nature has a way of inspiring awe, curiosity and wonder.
Nature encourages movement
Nature invites us to explore. We follow a butterfly across a meadow, investigate an interesting fungus, or walk a little further to see what’s around the corner. Before we know it, we’re moving more and sitting less. Moving more can expend more energy and calm our brains.
Nature helps us appreciate life
Take a moment to watch an ant carrying something many times its own weight, or a spider constructing an intricate web. The natural world is full of remarkable examples of resilience, ingenuity and adaptation. Sometimes, slowing down to notice these small wonders can help put our own lives into perspective.
Nature supports concentration and attention
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed or stuck in front of a screen, try stepping outside for a few minutes. Notice the wind on your face, the changing seasons, the sounds around you, or the smell of rain in the air. Paying attention to the world around us can be both grounding and restorative.
Due to our evolutionary history, we may be naturally inclined to seek out experiences in nature. If you can, make time to feed your soul with a healthy dose of the outdoors.
If you’re interested in learning more about nature connection and wellbeing, take a look at our Wild & Well programme, funded by Creative Minds:
🔗 Wild & Well | Nature & Mental Health Project