How Nature Restores Focus

by | Aug 4, 2025

By a Life Coach in St. Louis, MO – (Based off Huberman Lab Podcast)

This special resource is part of the welcome packet for new clients—a behind-the-scenes look at advice I regularly give. In his latest podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Marc Berman to explain how nature—real or simulated—can dramatically improve our ability to focus, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.

As a life coach in St. Louis MO, I integrate this kind of research into my coaching to support mindset, focus, and growth. Whether you’re seeking life coaches near me for personal development self work or searching for a business coach St. Louis for professional clarity, this article breaks down how to use nature to nourish your mind.

🌿 1. Nature Breaks Help You Refocus Fast

The science:
Dr. Berman explains that natural environments engage our “soft fascination,” which gives our directed attention systems a rest. This helps reduce mental fatigue and boost performance.

Life coaching tip:

  • Add “nature micro-breaks” to your daily routine—just 10 minutes outdoors or by a window.
  • Use natural visuals (plants, nature videos, or soundscapes) when you can’t get outside.
  • Try this before deep work or important conversations to reset your energy and mindset.

🧠 2. Reduce Overwhelm & Tap Into Clarity

Nature reduces stress and mental clutter, making space for emotional regulation and creativity. This is especially helpful for clients working on mindset coaching, personality development, and personal development courses.

Life coaching tip:

  • Take your journaling or voice notes outside for more clarity.
  • Use outdoor time for reflection after a session—it helps the brain process change.
  • If you’re exploring life coaching near me, choose a coach who encourages nature rituals for mental well-being.

🕒 3. Best Practices from Neuroscience

To get the most out of your nature-based focus routine, here are a few key science-backed takeaways:

  • When to go: Schedule nature breaks before or during focus work—not after you’re already burned out.
  • How long: Aim for 10–20 minutes outside, or at least 5 minutes of nature imagery or sounds inside.
  • What to look for: Surround yourself with natural “fractals”—like leaves, water, or clouds. Even a plant on your desk helps.
  • What counts: Real nature is ideal, but simulated nature (photos, videos, sounds) also improves attention.

These easy-to-apply strategies help you build better habits without overhauling your routine.

💡 4. Coaching Application: Make It Part of the Plan

  • Begin your day with a moment outside—sunlight plus intention = clarity.
  • Replace one social media break with a few deep breaths in fresh air.
  • Bring a plant or nature scene into your work or study space.
  • Include short nature walks in your personal or professional growth plan.

If you’re working with one of the best life coaches or exploring life coaching near me, ask how nature can become part of your custom self-care and productivity plan.

👥 5. Why This Works for Life & Business Coaching

As a life coach in St. Louis, I use tools like these to help clients regain energy, regulate emotion, and shift into alignment—whether they’re navigating burnout, career pivots, or creative blocks.

If you’re seeking a business coach in St. Louis to help you lead more effectively or build healthier routines, this kind of structured yet simple reset can unlock new energy.

🌎 Final Takeaway

Nature is one of the most overlooked—and accessible—tools in your personal development journey. From reducing stress to boosting attention, its impact is profound and scientifically backed. It’s time to stop seeing time outside as a break from progress… and start seeing it as part of the plan.

Whether you’re exploring mindset coaching, searching for life coaches near me, or curious about personal development self work, you deserve to grow in ways that feel good and work with your biology.

Photo Credit: Freepik