2023 01 24

Open AI on the effects of nature exposure

Lot's of buzz on AI in general and ChatGPT in particular. Listened to an episode of the Swedish podcast "AI för ledare och CXO:er" (well worth the 60 minutes!) and decided to give it a try. And here's what I got when I asked it to "Write me a 400 word blog post on how decision making is affected by nature exposure".

“Decision making is a crucial aspect of our lives. We make decisions every day, big or small, and they shape our lives. From deciding what to wear, what to eat, to where to live and work, we are constantly making choices. However, the environment in which we make these decisions can have a significant impact on their outcome. Recent research suggests that nature exposure can improve decision making.

One of the most compelling effects of nature exposure on decision making is that it can lead to improved cognitive function. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lead to an increase in working memory, attentional capacity, and overall cognitive performance. This is thought to be due to the fact that nature provides a break from the constant distractions and demands of modern life, allowing our brains to rest and recharge. Additionally, the natural environment is thought to stimulate the brain in ways that are not possible with man-made environments, leading to increased neural activity and improved cognitive function.

Another important effect of nature exposure on decision making is that it can lead to increased creativity. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lead to an increase in divergent thinking, which is a critical aspect of creativity. Divergent thinking is the ability to come up with many different ideas and solutions to a problem, which is essential for problem solving and decision making. Additionally, nature provides a diverse and stimulating environment, which is thought to stimulate the mind and lead to increased creativity.

Nature exposure can also lead to better emotional regulation and mental well-being. Being in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood. This can lead to improved self-awareness and self-regulation, which are critical for effective decision making. Additionally, nature provides a sense of perspective, which can help us to step back from problems and see them in a new light, leading to more effective decision making.

It’s not only physical exposure to nature that has benefits but also visual exposure to nature. Having a window with nature view, having plants in your office or even just looking at nature photos can have similar effects as physically being in nature.

In conclusion, nature exposure has been found to have a significant effect on decision making. It leads to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, improved emotional regulation and mental well-being, and better decision making. With our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take a break and spend time in nature. But by making a conscious effort to incorporate nature into our lives, we can improve our decision making, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. So, next time you need to make a decision, take a break and go outside, or even just look at a nature picture, it might just help you make a better decision.”

https://chat.openai.com/

The generated text is definitely aligned with my own findings when going through research on the subject. Unfortunately, the sources are left out in the prompt, but sill, I asked a plain question ad got a well written and correlating text on the subject. Next question that arises for me is how I can use this? As a sourcer for information (that needs to be checked) and inspiration, sure. And as a first step towards learning new things, definitely. Maybe even as a colleague and adviser? Future will tell…

Johan Norrfjärd
I work with people driven business development. Simply because I want to give momentum to the right kind of transformation. The transformation coming from vertical development that creates a better world for current and coming generations. I strive for trust, happiness and freedom in all collaborations and co-creations.
Outdoor Office Day in Helsingborg June 13th

Outdoor Office Day in Helsingborg June 13th

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to speak at Outdoor Office Day in HelsingborgI An inspiring event where researchers meet practitioners in a collaboration about a sustainable work life. I had the honor to give the opening speech, and here is my take on this subject.

read more
Overwhelmed, grateful, inspired and in a stew!

Overwhelmed, grateful, inspired and in a stew!

Sitting in the SJ lounge waiting for my train back home after three beautiful days at the IDG summit 2023. Scared by the crass truth about climate change. Touched by international speakers. Happy for meetings with people I never thought I’d sit down and talk to and inspired to work with a brilliant framework for inner development. Big words? Yes, and let me explain how this also might relate to you.

read more
Leadership development in theory, practice, and philosophy

Leadership development in theory, practice, and philosophy

When I started Recreatio, I got advice on how to package my services and what assignments to look for. I listened but decided to follow my heart and combine assignments within team development and HR (which I considered “safe” as I already knew I was good at it) with the more unchartered territory of developing my leadership development philosophy as well as programs for managers and leaders.

read more
So much to do, so little time…

So much to do, so little time…

The topic definitely sounds like a highly stressful situation, but this autumn passed with a flow for me, and I want to share some of my strategies for juggling the everyday life as a parent, entrepreneur (don’t really like that word), dog owner, a person reluctant to say no to fun things and being a husband. I know I preach to hold space for dialogues, reflection and inspiration. But do I take my own medicine?

read more
Same same but different?

Same same but different?

Quite a few of us have had a break during summer. A time with fewer stimuli and impressions, less important decisions to make (except from what ice cream to choose) and more time outdoors. No, I don’t say everyone have been sleeping in tents and enjoying the mountains but walking bare feet on grass and swimming in lakes and sea also counts. And we don’t just need that as a break, we need a little more other that all year around to decrease stress and keep the course forward.

read more
Living in the moment

Living in the moment

”A minute to learn. A lifetime to master” was written on the box of the game Mastermind when I was a kid. I never thought so much about it then, but nowadays I think it applies to a lot of the things in life. Just this week, three different persons said to me “seems like you enjoy your life right now”, and yes, I do. Don’t know if that means I have mastered life yet, but I hope I’m on my way and here are a few secrets to that!

read more
A dream has come true!

A dream has come true!

Mountains of all sorts have always attracted me. I remember being a kid and me and a friend brought a rope for the first time to the hill nearby where we lived and actually set a new (probably stupidly risky) route on the steepest section. A few weeks ago, I ceased the opportunity when Covid-restrictions now let up to go to Scotland and climb Ben Nevis

read more
Bubble hopping – how to get new perspectives on things

Bubble hopping – how to get new perspectives on things

When my six-year-old son asks me what I do at work, my answer is simply “I help people collaborate and a lot of that is about asking them questions to make them think for themselves because they, just as you, most often have the answers themselves. They just need a little time to think.”

read more