Reduce Anxiety and Find Balance: “Green Time” Vs. “Screen Time”
More than ever, we are being advised to turn off our screens, control the “blue light” on our screen settings, or use special glasses to filter this “blue light” spectrum or keep the phone out of the bedroom altogether.
Despite numerous headline warnings about the dangers of excessive screen time and the increasing number of alarmist commentaries from news reporters, many of us find ourselves lost in the glow of our screens. It’s become much too easy for us to wrap our identity into our digital devices and harder to put these devices aside for almost any length of time.
The widespread embrace of technology enriches our lives, but a growing movement urges us to disconnect and immerse ourselves in the outside world, free from the screens that dominate our existence.
As mental health counselors, we understand the importance of finding balance and making space for what some call “green time.” Green time means spending time playing, relaxing, or adventuring outside. According to studies conducted by University of Illinois researcher Frances Kuo, Ph.D., there is ongoing evidence that time spent in natural surroundings has helped to increase focus for individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
Dr. Nowell, a renowned expert in the field of mental health, emphasizes the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on our well-being. Research has consistently shown that immersing ourselves in natural environments can have lasting positive effects on the following:
-
Improve your mood
-
Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
-
Improve physical health
-
Improve self-confidence
-
Improve focus and impulsivity
-
Increase connection to others
Insight Counseling and Wellness highly recommends clients prioritize “green time” as a vital element of their coping skills and self-care routines. We often collaborate with our clients to include outdoor activities in their everyday lives such as mindfulness exercises in nature, having lunch outside, going for a walk, hiking in local Metroparks, or even just taking the time to gaze out of the window.
We get that tech is important and we all use it every day, right?
It’s not like we can ditch it entirely – for grown-ups or kids. But we don’t want to go overboard with screen time and miss out on the balancing benefits that nature can provide, often for free.
That’s why we want our clients to be mindful of the time spent in front of screens and focus more on getting outside. You can easily set up a timer on your phone, or create calendar “blocks” that demand you go outside for 15 minutes and get some fresh air or take a quick walk.
We call this approach “green time” over “screen time”!
It’s pretty simple: prioritizing “green time” can help us be stronger, happier, and more connected to the world around us!
Let Insight Counseling and Wellness help you explore the benefits of “green time” We are accepting new clients in our Canton, Berea, and Mentor offices. At Insight Counseling and Wellness, we provide flexible scheduling – offering appointments after school, work, and on weekends. Give us a call today!