Burnout & Our Restorative Environment
I often get asked why I tuck away, deep in the woods, without another person (or cell phone service) a few times each year. Frequently asked questions include: “Is this like a survival challenge?” “Don’t you get lonely?” “Aren’t you worried about safety?” “Why would you want to do this?”
Total immersion in the woods, or the more-than-human world, is my "restorative environment." Each of us has a different version of what environment feels restorative for us- it may be the beach or the spa or the desert or the river or a sensory deprivation tub. As a professed introvert with ADHD, taking breaks from the human world helps me to reset, restore, and enter back into life as my best self. I appreciate the soft sensory input that the woods provide, along with the space to be alone with my thoughts and self-reflection.
Why immerse yourself in a restorative environment?
The term “burnout” has become saliently applicable over the past two years. In fact, researchers at Tulane University and other institutions are describing a level of “societal burnout” that has not been seen nor measured before. The World Health Organization most aptly and succinctly describes burnout as, “a state of vital exhaustion.” In 2019, the WHO recognized “burnout” as a syndrome and it is now associated with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code (how providers bill your insurance company for medical and mental health coverage).
Those experiencing burnout, whether it be societal or job-related, often report symptoms of fatigue, apathy, irritability, tearfulness, suicidal thoughts, difficulty concentrating, difficulty staying present and listening to others, digestive issues, sleep issues, headaches, increased substance use, and changes in appetite. In addition, burnout attributes to feeling more cynical and negative about yourself and the world around you.
In the l980s, Rachel and Stephen Kaplans at the University of Michigan developed “Attention Restoration Theory,” which posits that immersion in nature, or a restorative environment, is not only enjoyable, but that it can improve mental fatigue, ADHD symptoms, quality of life, and help folks recover from burnout and stress. ART is one of the main components of my therapy practice, my wilderness groups, and my life.
What makes an environment restorative?
According to the Kaplans, there are four features that make an environment “restorative.”
Being Away- being separate and apart from one’s usual thoughts and concerns; this might mean having a physical space that is literally “away” from daily routine or even just having the mental space to be away
Soft Fascination- having attention being held without effort; involves soft sensory stimuli which allows one to slow down and reflect; examples include listening to the birds sing, watching the wind blow through the tree leaves, hearing water bubbling in a fountain.
Extent- environment should feel totally immersive and softly engaging, while also being familiar enough and safe.
Compatibility- one should enjoy and feel congruent with the environment; an environment that one intrinsically chose (you are spending time in it because you want to) and that meets the needs of the person
In this time of uncertainty, stress, and burnout, intentionally making space and time for restoration is vital to our emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual well-being. As mental health issues and treatment become less stigmatized (hooray!), I hope that we can more openly share our struggles, our successes, our healing, and ourselves with one another.
Be safe & stay wild,
Snowy
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can find 24 hour support at by calling or texting 988.