Researchers from the University of Turku in Finland explored how spending time away from city life can alter our perception of time. Their work, featured in a scientific outlet titled People and Nature, examined how natural settings influence the experience of duration and attention. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that the environment we inhabit shapes how we feel and act in the moment.
In a series of comparisons, participants assessed the length of time they spent on various tasks while moving through urban landscapes versus natural environments. The findings suggest that activities conducted amid nature tend to stretch the sense of time, making experiences feel longer and more immersive than similar activities in built-up areas.
Psychologists describe a mechanism by which nature can redirect attention from present concerns toward broader horizons. When people are immersed in natural surroundings, their focus shifts toward longer-term perspectives, reducing impulsive choices and fostering patience. This broader attentional focus supports planning and persistence in pursuing extended goals rather than quick, short-term rewards.
Beyond momentary perception, exposure to natural spaces regularly correlates with improvements in mental health and overall well-being. Beaches, forests, and parks provide a kind of respite that can alleviate stress, lower anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, and promote healthier sleep patterns. The cumulative effect of such environments appears to contribute to enhanced mood and a greater sense of balance in daily life.
From a practical standpoint, taking time away from constant digital stimulation can help recalibrate priorities. Brief escapes into nature offer the opportunity to pause, reflect, and identify what truly matters. In the short run, stepping back from screens and routines can relieve time pressure and sharpen decision-making about immediate tasks. In the longer term, regular interaction with natural settings may support sharper memory, sustained attention, and more reliable cognitive performance.
For individuals who lack regular access to natural areas, experts suggest deliberate daily planning as a substitute for direct immersion in nature. Structuring the day with planned breaks and consciously limiting exposure to social media and email can create mental space and reduce hurried, reactive patterns. Such strategies help reproduce some of nature’s regulatory effects on focus and emotion, even in urban environments.
Several studies have noted that extended time outdoors can elevate self-efficacy and confidence. The routine of navigating outdoor spaces, observing seasonal changes, and engaging in light physical activity appears to bolster a sense of control and self-assurance. This reinforces a positive feedback loop where improved mood supports more consistent healthy habits and greater resilience in the face of stress.
Ultimately, the insights from the Turku research underscore a simple but powerful idea: our surroundings shape not only what we do but how we feel about time itself. By choosing environments that invite slower, more reflective experiences, people can cultivate steadier rhythms, better planning, and a deeper appreciation for long-term goals. The findings invite individuals to consider nature not just as a backdrop, but as an active partner in managing attention, mood, and daily priorities, even when access to natural spaces is limited. The work continues to encourage a broader public conversation about how daily routines and built environments can harmonize to support enduring well-being and cognitive vitality.