Attention-Deficit Disorder is a disorder that causes behavior problems that are so frequent that it interferes with one’s ability to function in day to day tasks. It affects the executive function in the brain which causes those who have the disorder to struggle with completing basic tasks. Those who have trouble concentrating and exhibit an impulsive nature usually are more at risk for being diagnosed with ADHD. The main detriment of having ADHD has been attention issues, which can also denote memory issues. Left untreated, adults who have ADHD may lead difficult lives underlined with poor grades, unemployment, and struggling to maintain relationships. This may cause those with ADHD to turn to social media, which provides immediate dopamine and little need for attention. On the internet, you can form friendships and gain attention from others for simple tweets, which provides an essential escape for people who struggle with being able to do anything. Since people with ADHD aren’t getting this simplicity of living elsewhere, a dependency will form. Although medication has been proven to be the most effective combat for ADHD, there are more natural ways to help lessen the symptoms.
Dr. Marc Berman’s study in environmental science focused on how temporal and spatial scales are used in order to “...observe the impact of various environmental contexts on brain and behavior.” This data is utilized to determine how various environments and the activities we perform in these environments affect our health and our behaviors. His studies concluded that behavior and the environment are not mutually exclusive, and by manipulating how different environments will affect people on large spatial scales vs small spatial scales, we can further determine the causal mechanisms and predictability of behavior. For example, it’s not merely enough to see a forest, immersing oneself will yield far more results.
With ADHD, it’s not easy to follow through on things that you plan to do. However, having access to natural surroundings has been proven to increase attentiveness, focus, and memory. With attention fatigue, “...the positive effect of being in nature is big enough to produce a noticeable reduction in symptoms” (Sherman, 2020). Certain activities have proven to aid in the ability to concentrate, such as activities in greener environments leading to the biggest improvements. According to him, the reason isn’t that the specific activity done is the factor that causes the improvement, but the actual location. People with ADHD may be more inclined to stay inside and find it difficult to move around, but by committing an hour a day to a nature walk, studies prove that the neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex may be more replenished than otherwise.
Ultimately, whether you have ADHD or not, taking the more scenic route to work may be in your best interest. If you have trouble with awareness, looking around and fully taking in your surroundings during these outdoor activities can only help to boost your awareness in the future. In my opinion, it’s best to take the advice of “go touch grass.”
Works Cited
Berman, Marc G., Andrew J. Stier, and Gaby N. Akcelik. “Environmental Neuroscience.”
American Psychologist 74.9 (2019): 1039–1052. American Psychologist. Web.
Sherman, Carl. “Green Time: A Natural Remedy for ADHD Symptoms.” ADDitude. 18
March 2020. https://www.additudemag.com/green-time-natural-adhd-remedy/
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