Lauren Boasberg, LMFT

Nature and the positive effects it has on the brain

As far back as I can remember I have always loved nature. Trees, plants, flowers, grass. I love being an active part of helping them grow and attuning to their every needs. I had no idea just how healing nature was for me until I had experienced a traumatic event. I noticed something quite interesting one day. I had been feeling disconnected and numb, had brain fog and low energy. I somehow gathered enough energy to go outside in my garden. I put my feet on the grass and looked at my roses. The minute I felt the cool air on my face and the sun beaming on my cheeks I snapped back into my body. It was as if someone wrapped a warm cashmere blanket around me and then kissed me on my cheek. Suddenly I felt alive again and part of the world, connected to every living being and micro organism. I could only feel serenity, and I wanted more! I was eager to understand how I could go from feeling numb to alive in a few minutes.

I happened upon a research study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, they found that spending time in nature helped people leave stress behind and focus on simpler, more refreshing thoughts. This gives the brain – like our bodies – a chance to unwind. A South Korean study found that simply having a view of a forest from office windows improved job satisfaction and lowered workday stress. Breathing fresh air can raise levels of oxygen in your brain, which in turn boosts the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that alters your mood. A Stanford University study found that walking in nature could lower the risk of depression. These results suggest that going for a walk in nature can have salutogenic effects on stress-related brain regions, and consequently, it may act as a preventive measure against mental strain and potentially disease. Research has shown that exposure to green spaces, whether in the form of lush forests or urban parks, can have a profound calming effect on our minds. It has been associated with reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased relaxation. Furthermore, studies have also linked the color green to enhanced cognitive function, creativity, and overall psychological wellbeing. Research suggests that people working in green environments are more focused, less fatigued, and more innovative. This can be especially beneficial for those struggling with mental health challenges.

After reading all of these research findings correlated to nature and the positive effects it has on ones mental and emotional health it all made sense to me. Now I try to get outside as much as possible. I prune, water, transplant, feed, touch and smell my plants, tress, flowers and grass. I connect with nature every chance I get. Have you been outside today? Have you planted anything lately? When is the last time you stopped and smelled a rose or hugged a tree? I hope you make the time to connect with nature, it is free and has so many positive health benefits.

Lauren Boasberg, LMFT

Creativity and the brain                                                

One definition of creativity is the ability to conceive something unpredictable, original and unique. It must be expressive, exciting and imaginative. About a year ago something horrific happened in the world. I felt the impact of this event throughout my entire body, it shook me to the core. I noticed that I had a difficult time thinking, forming meaningful sentences and I felt frozen. It occurred to me that I was completely powerless over the outcome but there were things I could do for myself. I  drove over to Joann Fabrics and bought a bunch of beads and all of the materials to make crystal bracelets and necklaces. A few days later I drove to Michaels and bought all new acrylic paint markers and soft colored pencils. I dropped right into creating jewelry and drawing pictures of nature. I noticed something quite fascinating. The minute I started to bead or draw my thoughts slipped away and I fell into a peaceful, meditative state. It was so strange to me how I could feel traumatized one minute and the next peaceful. Within a week I had made 20 variations of bracelets and necklaces and drawn 10 different pictures. I began to look at the research on Creativity. I had to figure out what this was actually doing to my brain. 

The first thing I found is that there is not that much research on how the brain is directly influenced by engaging in creative activities. I saw some studies that found that repetitive motions of drawing, painting, or playing an instrument can have a soothing effect on the mind. This rhythmic activity can help lower cortisol levels and reduce feelings of stress. Making art decreases our stress hormones and increases levels of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. Some studies have shown that expressing themselves through art can help people with depression, anxiety and cancer. It has been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and resilience in healthy older people. 

Now that I have some research to back up my hunch I feel better. I see now that I was trying to self soothe when I drove to Michaels and Joanne Fabrics that day. My body intuitively knew what it needed to feel better. I will be providing my clients with more resources to engage in creativity during our sessions. Im curious to see how this will help lower their levels of disturbance when working through traumatic memories. 

When is the last time you allowed yourself the space to drop into creativity? Have you drawn a picture, painted, created a song or a dance, made up a melody, re designed a room or wrote a creative story lately? Next time you are in a creative space notice how you feel in your body, notice how you feel emotionally and notice your thoughts. You will most likely find that you are calm, relaxed, peaceful and there is quiet between your ears. Enjoy this free gift you have given to yourself. It is always available to you.