Thinking Better Outside: Why Strategy Walks Work

Should we pay more attention to the impact our environment has on how we think, feel, and perform? Growing evidence from environmental neuroscience suggests that immersing ourselves in nature is not just a luxury – it is a necessity for optimal brain function.

When we walk through nature, sit near a stream, or even glance at a green roof, our brains begin to respond. A Stanford study found that participants who walked in natural settings experienced reduced rumination and improved performance on memory tests, while those who walked in urban areas showed no such benefits. Just 40 seconds of looking at greenery helped subjects perform better on tasks requiring concentration.

Dr. Marc Berman, director of the Environmental Neuroscience Lab at the University of Chicago, found that walking in nature boosts performance on the ‘backward digit-span task‘ by 20%. This test, which measures working memory and attention, is directly relevant to problem-solving and strategy—skills critical to effective leadership.

Why does nature have this impact? According to Attention Restoration Theory (ART), natural environments can engage our brains through “soft fascination”; these are gentle stimuli like birdsong, rustling leaves, or flowing water. These cues capture attention effortlessly, giving our directed attention a chance to rest and recover. In contrast, urban environments bombard us with noise, advertisements, and alerts, depleting our cognitive reserves.

Moreover, nature exposure activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the calming counterpart to our stress-driven fight-or-flight response. This physiological shift leads to lower cortisol levels, slower heart rates, and a sense of clarity and calm.

At WildFuture, our Thinking Trails, set in beautiful natural landscapes, provide not just a change of scenery—but a reset for your cognitive system. By walking among biodiversity and under open skies, you’re not only refreshing your body but also unlocking your brain’s full potential.

Want to think more clearly? Start with your feet. Nature isn’t just beautiful—it literally boosts brain function.