DEVELOPMENT
time each day depending on your circumstances and location . This could be like adding 10 minutes of walk time to your daily commute , eating lunch outside , or scheduling an outdoor catch-up with a friend .
Invite nature in If getting outside is tricky , try greening the office using a biophilic design . It ’ s time to dust off that sad-looking parlour palm and maybe buy it some new friends . Inside plants help to purify and filter air , helping to reduce brain fog , while the colour green is aesthetically pleasing and calming to the brain . Natural textures , textiles and artwork invoke a similar calming effect .
A simple way to stop chasing your tail
If you ’ re still recovering from the manic leadup to Christmas , have you wondered why we continue to chase our own tails when we know it only leaves us exhausted ? Dr Jenny Brockis shares insights to inspire positive change .
THE EXPERT
Dr Jenny Brockis is an award-winning speaker , trainer , coach , best-selling author , medical practitioner and lifestyle medicine physician . Her purpose is to inspire positive change that makes work better for everyone . Her passion is simplifying the complex and getting the most out of life and work . Her latest book , The Natural Advantage , is now available at major bookstores . Read more in the Book Reviews section .
Work is good for us , but if you ’ re working too hard , feeling stressed , overwhelmed or anxious , it ’ s time to do things differently , and science shows one activity to keep you well and happy . It ’ s called time in nature .
Spending just a few minutes outside in a green or blue space each day can bring about profound positive health and well-being benefits . It reduces stress levels , boosts your mood , elevates your ability to solve problems , broadens your perspective , improves your ability to think well and remember more , and improves your sleep and resilience to illness and infection .
Did I mention it also makes you happier , more prosocial and more connected to the world and other people ? With so many benefits , you may wonder where to start , how much time you need to spend outside , and if you can be sure this works . Let ’ s look at five ways to tap into nature ’ s benefits :
Set the intention Intention is good but also requires action . Consider adding a few extra minutes of outside
Restore your attention Work near a window that overlooks a pleasant green or blue space where possible . Forty seconds of looking outside is all you need to relieve the cognitive fatigue that builds up from spending too much time in front of a computer screen .
Looking out onto a brick wall doesn ’ t have the same effect . However , a strategically positioned pot plant on your desk that you can keep in the periphery of your vision can work wonders .
Reconnect to the wonder of the outdoors Even if you ’ re not a gardener or someone who likes outdoor activities , getting out for a few minutes each day can remind you of the beauty of our natural world . Choose to engage all your senses . What do you see , hear or smell ? If you love walking barefoot , it ’ s time to kick off your shoes and relish the sensation .
Rediscover what you love most If you ’ re drawn to water , can you access a waterway , river or ocean near your home or workplace ? If you prefer greenery , where is your nearest park or bushland ?
Spending time outside has been shown to alter our perception of how quickly time passes , plus you get to do something that makes you feel good .
If you ’ ve been sucked into constant busyness and tail-chasing , it ’ s time to open the door and rediscover the awe and wonder of our natural world . S drjennybrockis . com
Win a copy of The Natural Advantage
Dr Jenny Brockis is giving away five signed copies of her book The Natural Advantage . To enter the draw , send your name , surname , telephone number and postal address to editor @ executivepa . com . au before 15 March 2025 .
Autumn Issue 2025 | Executive PA 53