NATURE AND THE MIND The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being

In this sweeping overview of recent research, an environmental neuroscientist explains how humans are wired to benefit from exposure to nature--or even to artificial elements that resemble it. Beyond boosting mood and happiness, spending peaceful moments outdoors, studies show, enhances physical health, emotional resilience, mental performance, and the quality of our attention. The author's lengthy personal stories and picturesque writing make this audiobook a colorful memoir as much as a science lesson. While the personal details may interfere with the audiobook's momentum for some listeners, narrator Sean Patrick Hopkins makes that less likely with his friendly, enthusiastic tone. In sum, Hopkins' vocal personality makes it difficult to be impatient with the author's stories and asides. [Published: JANUARY 2026]