Environmental Wellness: Reconnecting with Nature in a High-Intensity World
Rachel enjoys Mojave Desert sunshine.
After a few days of back-to-back meetings, workshops, and networking on the Strip, I can almost feel the tension building in my body. Spending 90% of my day inside hotel ballrooms with artificial lighting and the constant buzz of people leaves me feeling mentally exhausted and physically drained. I’m sure many of you can relate—when you're in a high-energy, high-stimulation environment like that, your brain just doesn’t get a chance to rest.
What I’ve found helpful is to carve out time afterward to reset. One of the most effective ways for me to recharge is to get outside. I’m lucky that living in Las Vegas means I have quick access to beautiful natural landscapes. Whether it’s a short drive to Red Rock Canyon or a peaceful afternoon by Lake Mead, stepping out into nature helps me recalibrate after the chaos.
When I finally get out there, away from the noise, I can feel my shoulders relax, my breathing slow down, and my mind start to clear. It’s amazing what a 30-minute walk or even sitting in a quiet spot under the open sky can do. Research backs this up too—being in nature reduces cortisol levels, improves mood, and restores cognitive function. After a few hours outside, I’m better equipped to handle the demands of my job and personal life.
If you’ve ever felt overstimulated after a busy week on the Strip, try taking a break in nature. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure—just a simple walk outside can make all the difference.
Restoration and Focus for Business Professionals
As someone who works from home and has people and deadlines constantly competing for my attention, I end up wired but tired. But the truth is, our brains aren’t built to operate in overdrive all the time, especially when we’re surrounded by noise, artificial lighting, and constant stimuli. That’s where the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) comes in—a concept that has completely shifted how I think about taking breaks.
Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas
ART suggests that natural environments have the ability to restore our mental energy. When we’re in nature, we engage in what's called “soft fascination”—the kind of subtle attention that requires no effort. Think of watching the wind blow through the trees or listening to a stream. This kind of sensory experience allows our minds to recharge, unlike the intense focus required in business meetings or problem-solving.
For me, spending time outdoors helps me reset and regain focus. After a nature break, I find that I can approach work tasks with a fresh perspective and sharper mental clarity. Research shows that this restoration effect is particularly powerful for people like us, who spend most of our day in a mentally demanding setting.
This natural reset can be especially valuable for both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, who benefit from environments free of the overwhelming distractions found in urban spaces.
Pneuma Lab experiential wellness activation, Harmony Oasis mandala
Harmony Oasis: A Retreat Amidst the Trade Show Hustle
Of course, sometimes getting into nature isn’t always an option, especially during a busy conference or trade show. That’s where Pneuma Lab's Harmony Oasis comes in. While not quite as restorative as a hike in the desert, Harmony Oasis offers a tranquil escape within the chaos of an event.
Our Wellness Activation, designed as a Retreat for the Mind and Spirit, invites participants to step away from the bustling trade show floor and experience a peaceful, 5 to 15-minute respite that touches on key dimensions of wellness: social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual.
Inspired by a multimedia art installation, this experience is grounded in research on the positive effects of music on brain chemistry and the mindfulness benefits of mandalas in art therapy. Participants are equipped with party headphones and can choose from soothing Nature Sounds, World Music, or relaxing Somatic Sounds. A custom meditation, layered into the music by our mindset and wellness coach, Megan Wilson, enhances the experience as attendees color and contribute to a 6-foot Mandala mural.
This interactive artwork serves as a reminder of the calm found during the event and can be brought back to the office for continued reflection on balance and peace.
Learn more about how Pneuma Lab can help incorporate wellness activations like Harmony Oasis into your corporate events with a intro chat with Rachel or Megan.
Diving Deeper into Nature and Mental Restoration
Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory explained in a blog from Positive Psychology.
For those interested in the science behind how nature restores focus and energy, here is a link to National Library of Medicine. It dives into the Attention Restoration Theory, which posits that spending time in nature helps restore mental energy and improve focus.
On your next business trip to Las Vegas, or if you’re a local looking to integrate wellness into your workplace or events, we’d love to help. Pneuma Lab offers customized wellness solutions, including our Harmony Oasis activation, designed to help business professionals recharge and refocus. Visit Pneuma Lab to explore more ways we can bring balance to your work life or next event.