Green-Time Digital Detox

It comes as no surprise that we are addicted to our smartphones, especially young adults.  And that the more time we spend on them the more anxious and depressed we feel.

To detox from our addiction, researchers recommend substituting screen-time for green-time but there is a paradox — you can detox from smartphones even while staying connected.

For young adults seeking a detoxifying experience in urban parks and open spaces, calling and texting actually increase during short recreational green space visits, according to researchers.

No worries. Those who cannot live without their smartphones but want to detox can simply increase the amount of green-time. Researchers suggests that spending at least 3 hours in nature areas is enough time to promote digital impulse inhibition of young adults even if they keep their smartphones with them.

The study explains that those with elevated baseline screen-time or green-time significantly reduces device usage while in nature, indicating that parts of the biosphere may provide a reprieve from the cybersphere for highly connected young people.

Conclusion — better mental health with green-time even while staying connected.