Looking at fractals for wellbeing+

Fractals are all around us. Winter is a great time to see the fractals of bare twigs, branches and trunks of trees. Take a moment to take in their effect on wellbeing!

Fractals are mathematical patterns that repeat again and again over multiple scales. They can look extremely complex, even chaotic, and are found all around us, especially in nature.
There’s evidence that looking at fractals, especially naturally occurring patterns, is good for our mental wellbeing (see the links on this pin).

At this time of year many trees and shrubs are bare of leaves and their twigs, branches, stems and trunks display fractal patterns. These can be a great inspiration for artwork, and can prompt a discussion or investigation of the reasons these patterns form in nature.

It also makes a very relaxing activity to just observe (and photograph) as many fractals as you can see on a walk outdoors - once you start looking you can't stop seeing them!