Attention Restoration Theory (or why you should go outside)

We all know what it feels like to experience cognitive overload. Stress, burnout, illness and experience of tragedies in our lives can lead to impaired focus, irritability, decision fatigue, and reduced capacity for self-regulation. An evidence-informed framework that can support psychoeducation and practical management strategies is Attention Restoration Theory (ART).

What Is Attention Restoration Theory?

Developed by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, ART describes how certain environments (particularly natural settings) help restore the brain’s directed attention system, which becomes depleted through sustained cognitive effort. When our attention system is fatigued, we may notice:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Low frustration tolerance

• Mental “fog” or slowed processing

• Emotional reactivity, and

• Reduced executive functioning.

Restoration of our attention system occurs when the brain can switch from effortful attention to involuntary, low-demand attention, allowing cognitive resources to replenish.

The Four Restorative Components of Attention

Research identifies four environmental characteristics that promote restoration:

1. Being Away

A sense of stepping out of routine demands. This may be physical (e.g., a park) or psychological (a quiet balcony, a shaded outdoor area).

2. Extent

Environments that feel coherent and immersive—such as bushland, gardens, beaches, or open green spaces.

3. Fascination

“Soft fascination” features (water movement, foliage, birdsong) hold attention gently, without effort, supporting cognitive recovery.

4. Compatibility

The environment aligns with what the person needs—calm, space, or quiet reflection.

Clinical Relevance in Primary Care

ART has meaningful utility for patient groups experiencing:

• Stress-related presentations

• Complex trauma or chronic hyperarousal

• ADHD or attention dysregulation

• Mood disturbances

• Burnout, and

• Chronic pain and fatigue conditions.

Even brief exposure (such as a 40-second view of greenery) has been associated with measurable improvements in attention and accuracy on cognitive tasks. Surprisingly, even stimuli that imitate nature like “fake plants” can have a beneficial effect on our attention systems. This knowledge is being adopted in the planning of stressful environments such as hospitals and airports, where green spaces are being implemented and having positive effects.

Practical Applications for Patients

GPs may consider reinforcing simple, low-cost behavioural strategies:

• Short walks in natural settings

• Spending time near water or shaded outdoor areas

• Using green spaces during work breaks

• Integrating natural elements at home (plants, natural light, airflow)

• Mindful awareness of sensory input in nature (sound, texture, light)

These micro-interventions can complement psychological treatment, particularly for patients working on emotional regulation, trauma recovery, or executive functioning. While short walks in nature are not yet a replacement for psychological or pharmacological interventions for mental health conditions, they are certainly a cost-effective way of reducing the impacts of the burdens we carry.

Integration in Psychological Care

At Gemstone Psychology, ART principles are incorporated into psychoeducation and behavioural planning to support clients in managing cognitive load and improving regulation capacity. This approach is especially helpful for individuals navigating trauma-related arousal patterns and those working to stay within their optimal window of tolerance.

To be honest, I do not have a green thumb and looking after plants is not one of my strengths. Addtionally, I cannot practically water plans on a regular schedule in my office. However, I have done the next best thing and have a range of fake plants in my office, to help bring about gentle focus and a calm feeling. People have made fun of my fake plants, but there’s research to support them being here!

Jenna Kenwright