A little thing that can relieve stress more than "20 minutes in the park" at 0 cost! You will feel happy immediately after doing it

"20 minutes in the park" is definitely the most popular psychological therapy this year. Sitting on a bench in the park, enjoying the breeze, reading a book, and temporarily forgetting the fatigue of life. But for working people, such a short enjoyment is sometimes not so easy to get.

Today, I want to recommend a simpler and more direct way to relax your body and mind. It does not require a specific place, additional equipment, or your free time. As long as there is a window, you can "sit at your workstation while your mind is in the sky." This way to relax your body and mind is to look up at the sky.

Whether it is the blue sky, white clouds, or the occasional flying birds, they can bring you a sense of tranquility and breadth, and quickly pull you away from your intense work.

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The ever-changing sky

Able to tolerate emotions

Many studies have confirmed that being in contact with the natural environment and enjoying the open horizons have significant positive effects on mental health. These effects include, but are not limited to, lowering anxiety levels and significantly improving mood and happiness.

Although we all look up at the same sky, each of us sees a unique world of our own, because each person's inner experience and perception is unique. Even the same person will perceive the sky differently at different times and in different moods. Sometimes you will see the sky in a variety of colors, and sometimes it will appear peaceful and profound. These different feelings are often accompanied by a new understanding of life and a deep touch of the soul.

The sky is such a rich experience because it is a unity of contradiction and harmony. It combines dynamic clouds and static blue sky, embodies the contrast between the macrocosm and the microcosm, and shows the cycle of change and constancy. This complex and diverse characteristic allows the sky to perfectly accommodate and fit the mood and feelings of each of us at different times.

No matter when and where, no matter whether the sky is clear or cloudy, it accepts us unconditionally and gives us deep comfort and tranquility. This acceptance allows us to find a moment of peace in the noisy world, and also allows us to find resonance and strength deep in our hearts. The sky is no longer just a landscape, but an endless flow of emotions in my heart.

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Look up at the sky

Inspire awe

Awe is a powerful emotional experience that naturally arises when we are faced with something that is vast, vast, and beyond our current understanding, whether it is a natural wonder, a masterpiece of art, or an extraordinary human behavior. This emotion not only gives us a new perspective on the world, but also is a positive force for self-transcendence, allowing us to appreciate and cherish every moment around us with a more joyful mood.

When we look up at the sky, the vast universe, the starry night sky, and the magnificent sunrise and sunset appear before our eyes. These visual feasts that go beyond our daily experience and understanding can easily trigger a sense of awe deep in our hearts.

Research shows that awe has many positive effects on individuals. First, it can significantly extend an individual's perception of time, allowing us to feel the extension of time, thereby cherishing and enjoying every moment of life. The socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) further points out that when individuals feel that they have more time, they are more motivated to pursue new knowledge and learn new skills.

Secondly, awe can increase prosocial behavior, make us care more about others, and actively create a harmonious social atmosphere. In addition, it can promote spiritual pursuits and inspire our inner motivation to pursue higher realms. On a psychological level, awe can reduce self-consciousness, help us break free from the shackles of egocentrism, and see the world from a more objective and comprehensive perspective. At the same time, it can also promote in-depth processing of information and enhance our cognitive ability and creativity.

Follow the blue sky

Enter the world of "Daydream"

The simplicity of the sky can reduce the burden on the brain to process information, pull us out of the complex world, empty our minds, make it easier for the brain to enter a resting state, and then activate the brain's default mode network, following the blue sky into the world of "daydreaming".

The default mode network is a large-scale brain network that is particularly active when the brain is in a resting state of wakefulness. This network will quietly start when we are not focusing on any specific task or our thoughts are drifting away, such as lying in bed preparing to fall asleep, being distracted in a meeting, or doing daily chores such as washing dishes and taking a shower. It allows our thoughts to wander freely, and we can engage in psychological activities such as introspection, recollection, and planning. It is the source of our divergent thinking and innovation.

In the past, we always emphasized the benefits of concentration and believed it was the key to success. However, new research shows that "distraction" is also a state that is essential to health. It gives us the opportunity to withdraw from our busy lives, talk to our inner selves, and stimulate creativity and imagination. Therefore, while pursuing efficiency and concentration, we should also learn to enjoy this "non-concentration" state and allow our brains to get enough rest and recovery.

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In our busy lives, we always need to find a way to relax. Next time, when you are rushing between work and home, why not take a minute or two to stop and look up at the sky above your head? It may inspire your inner creativity and inspiration, and bring us unexpected gains.

References

[1] Dong Rui, Peng Kaiping, Yu Feng. (2013). Awe: Positive emotions. Advances in Psychological Science, P 1996-2005.

[2] Eknanen Goldberg. The Innovation Brain. Beijing: CITIC Press. 2019.

[3] Shane O’Mara. Why We Walk. Beijing: China Friendship Publishing Company. 2021.

[4]Frontiers | Measuring affect and complex working memory in natural and urban environments (frontiersin.org)

[5]Hosseini, Z., Islami, SG, & Etesam, I. (2021). Eeffect of the Existence of the Sky in the Architectural Space on Human Mental Health and Crime Reduction. Journal of Police Medicine, 10(4), 279-286.

Author: Su Jing, National Level 2 Psychological Counselor

Reviewer: Zhang Xin, Associate Professor, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Peking University