Does nature free creativity? Find out in Canada's wilderness
- Text by D'Arcy Doran
How much of a toll does the daily, relentless information overload take on our brains?
Our routine life can leave our minds prone to mistakes, unable to focus and just plain fatigued, but University of Utah cognitive neuroscientist David Strayer has found a possible cure: Nature.
After returning from just three days in beautiful natural surroundings, he found that a group of 28 backpackers performed 50 percent better on creative problem-solving tasks. A massive improvement in a such a short amount on time. Strayer calls this “The Three-Day Effect.”
It wasn’t hard science, but recently a few members of the Huck team put the idea of a digital detox to the test in Canada’s Algonquin Park — an off-the-grid nature reserve half the size of Wales — while shooting with Fred Sirieix, an avowed social media addict, world traveller and also Maitre D’ on Channel Four’s First Dates. Fred shares his impressions after three days in the diary-style video above.
Check out more shorts from our Explore Canada series here. For more Huck films, you can also subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Capturing life in the shadows of Canada’s largest oil refinery
The Cloud Factory — Growing up on the fringes of Saint John, New Brunswick, the Irving Oil Refinery was ever present for photographer Chris Donovan. His new photobook explores its lingering impacts on the city’s landscape and people.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Dalia Al-Dujaili: “When you’re placeless, nature can fill the void”
Babylon, Albion — As her new book publishes, the British-Iraqi author speaks about connecting with the land as a second-generation migrant, plants as symbols of resistance, and being proud of her parents.
Written by: Zahra Onsori
Remembering Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol muse and trans trailblazer
Love You Madly — A new book explores the actress’s rollercoaster life and story, who helped inspire Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.
Written by: Miss Rosen
A new documentary spotlights Ecuador’s women surfers fighting climate change
Ceibo — Co-directed by Maddie Meddings and Lucy Small, the film focuses on the work and story of Pacha Light, a wave rider who lived off-grid before reconnecting with her country’s activist heritage.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
In 1971, Pink Narcissus redefined queer eroticism
Camp classic — A new restoration of James Bidgood’s cult film is showing in US theatres this spring. We revisit its boundary pushing aesthetics, as well as its enduring legacy.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The inner-city riding club serving Newcastle’s youth
Stepney Western — Harry Lawson’s new experimental documentary sets up a Western film in the English North East, by focusing on a stables that also functions as a charity for disadvantaged young people.
Written by: Isaac Muk
