From: hubermanlab
Emotion management is a multifaceted process that often involves leveraging various tools and strategies to maintain a balanced emotional state. One of the intriguing aspects discussed in the conversation between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Ethan Kross is the significant role that our environment can play in emotion management.
Green Spaces and Cognitive Restoration
One of the key environmental factors that aid in emotion management is exposure to green spaces. Engaging with nature, such as taking a walk in a natural setting, is not only calming but also cognitively restorative. This kind of environment gently captures our attention with its intriguing cues, such as the rustling of leaves or the sights of natural beauty, allowing our cognitive resources to replenish. This can be incredibly beneficial for those experiencing mental fatigue or “chatter” — the persistent, intrusive thoughts that can detract from emotional and mental well-being ([02:40:41]).
The Power of Awe
Another profound effect of being in nature is the emotion of awe. Encountering the vast and indescribable, such as centuries-old trees or expansive landscapes, can put our own problems into perspective, making them feel smaller and more manageable by comparison. This “shrinking of the self” can be an effective way to reduce the emotional impact of life’s stresses ([02:42:20]).
Attachment to Places
Just as we form attachments to people, we can also develop attachments to certain places. These places, often laden with positive memories and associations, can serve as emotional anchors capable of providing comfort and stability during times of distress. By returning to these environments, individuals can leverage these emotional oases to regain composure and stability during times of distress ([02:45:50]).
Structuring Spaces for Emotional Benefit
The structure of our immediate environment, such as the organization of our personal spaces, can also influence our emotional state. For example, many people find that organizing their physical environment can counteract feelings of internal chaos caused by stress or anxiety. This compensatory control — bringing order to our external world to offset the lack of control we feel internally — can help restore emotional equilibrium and improve emotional wellbeing ([01:55:50]).
Dr. Kross also emphasizes the power of proactively modifying our surroundings to reduce distracting cues. For instance, removing phones or clutter from the workspace can minimize distractions and improve focus, contributing positively to our emotional and cognitive function removing phones or clutter from the workspace ([01:47:48]).
Sensory Modalities and Environmental Tools
Finally, environments rich in different sensory experiences, such as music or changing visuals, can act as powerful shifters for emotional states. These sensory experiences can help modulate emotions by either soothing them or energizing them, depending on the desired outcome. The capacity for our environments to serve as nonverbal regulators of emotion highlights the importance of selecting and curating our environments thoughtfully to support our emotional and cognitive well-being to support our emotional and cognitive well-being ([00:12:16]).
Conclusion
The role of the environment in managing emotions underscores the importance of intentional interaction with our surroundings. Whether through nature, structure, or sensory experiences, our environments can be potent tools in the pursuit of emotional equilibrium and mental clarity in the pursuit of emotional equilibrium.