Jan 14, 2026
The science behind slowing down: Why nature is a strategy, not a luxury
In the high-speed world of tech scale-ups and corporate boardrooms, “going into nature” is often dismissed as a wellness perk. It sounds like a nice break, something you do to relax before getting back to the "real work."
But what if the wilderness is actually where the real work happens?
At Nelson Leadership, we have always believed that you need to slow down to speed up. We believe that an exhausted brain cannot innovate and that sustainable growth starts with self-awareness. Now, recent research published in the International Journal of Wilderness backs this up with hard data.
From ego-system to eco-system
The article, written by Dr. Boy van Droffelaar, highlights a critical problem: traditional leadership training often focuses on competencies—skills you can list on a resume. But today’s complex world requires a shift in mindset, not just a new skill set.
The research shows that deep immersion in nature triggers a shift from “ego-system awareness” (focusing on personal gain and well-being) to “eco-system awareness” (focusing on the collective good).
When leaders step out of the office and into the wild, stripped of digital distractions and titles, something profound happens. The study found that wilderness experiences act as a “peak experience”—a trigger event that fosters four specific traits of authentic leadership:
Self-awareness: leaders gained a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, moving past their ego.
Internalized moral perspective: they reconnected with their "inner compass," making decisions based on core values rather than external pressure.
Balanced processing: the silence of nature improved their ability to listen without judgment.
Relational transparency: leaders became more willing to be vulnerable and open with their teams.
Why the "soft stuff" leads to hard results
We often hear that leadership is lonely. The pressure to constantly be "on" creates a hyper-nervous state where we lose touch with who we are.
The research confirms what we see in our own programs: nature isn't just a backdrop; it is a catalyst. It creates the psychological safety needed to look at the "undercurrent"—the things playing out beneath the surface of your team.
By slowing down in nature, you aren't checking out. You are building the mental resilience and clarity required to navigate the future economy. As the study suggests, this isn't just about feeling better; it's about leading better. It transforms how you handle high-pressure meetings, how you innovate, and how you keep your human capital out of the red zone.
The bottom line
You don’t need to choose between profit and purpose, or between high performance and mental health. They go hand in hand.
In a time where AI takes over our technical tasks, the human side of leadership—empathy, intuition, and authenticity—is becoming your biggest competitive advantage.
So, if you are looking to improve your P&L, maybe it’s time to look at your trails.