Feel Good:Psychological Observations Human well-being is strongly influenced by everyday behaviors and environmental exposures. Research in psychology and related fields has identified several simple yet meaningful factors that contribute to emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and mental health. Unstructured solitary walking, particularly when undertaken without a specific goal or destination, has been associated with improvements in mood and emotional regulation. This effect is linked to mild physical activity, reduced cognitive demands, and increased opportunities for mind-wandering. Together, these factors support creative thinking and emotional processing, contributing to overall psychological well-being (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014; Ekkekakis et al., 2011). Exposure to natural water environments, often referred to as “blue spaces,” such as observing the sea, has been shown to reduce stress and promote psychological restoration. These effects are commonly explained through Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that natural environments replenish depleted attentional resources, as well as through reductions in physiological arousal. While beneficial, such experiences are not equivalent to formal psychotherapy (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; White et al., 2010). Hesitation in decision-making frequently arises from social influence and perceived disagreement from others. Research on conformity and social validation demonstrates that individuals often rely on group consensus to guide confidence in their judgments. When consensus is absent, uncertainty increases, which can delay action or decision-making (Asch, 1951; Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004). Findings from positive psychology suggest that emotional balance typically requires a higher ratio of positive experiences to negative ones. Studies of interpersonal relationships indicate that multiple positive interactions are often necessary to counteract the psychological impact of a single negative interaction. This asymmetry highlights the stronger emotional weight of negative experiences in daily life (Fredrickson & Losada, 2005; Gottman, 1994). Regular exposure to natural environments, even for brief periods each day, has been associated with reduced stress levels, lower cortisol, and improvements in mood and attention. These outcomes are consistently supported within environmental and health psychology, emphasizing the importance of routine contact with natural settings for mental health maintenance (Ulrich et al., 1991; Bratman et al., 2015). Listening to instrumental music has also been shown to enhance concentration and creative performance. By minimizing linguistic interference, instrumental music can support a calm yet alert cognitive state, making it particularly beneficial during tasks that require sustained attention or creative problem-solving (Salamé & Baddeley, 1989; Ritter & Ferguson, 2017). References Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgments. Bratman, G. N., et al. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social influence: Compliance and conformity. Ekkekakis, P., et al. (2011). The pleasure and displeasure people feel when they exercise. Fredrickson, B. L., & Losada, M. F. (2005). Positive affect and the complex dynamics of human flourishing. Gottman, J. M. (1994). What predicts divorce? Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Oppezzo, M., & Schwartz, D. L. (2014). Give your ideas some legs: The positive effect of walking on creative thinking. Ritter, S. M., & Ferguson, S. (2017). Happy creativity: Listening to happy music facilitates divergent thinking. Salamé, P., & Baddeley, A. (1989). Effects of background music on phonological short-term memory. Ulrich, R. S., et al. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. White, M. P., et al. (2010). Blue space: The importance of water for preference, affect, and well-being.
IM International Foundation’
I Mind The Mind
whisperer 