THE IMPORTANCE OF
EDUCATION
THE IMPORTANCE OF
REDUCING YOUR SCREEN TIME AND EMBRACING THE
OUTDOORS
DO YOU DREAD THE FAMILIAR PING OF YOUR SMARTPHONE , SIGNALLING THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR WEEKLY SCREEN TIME REPORT EVERY MONDAY MORNING ? DOES THE SIGHT OF THOSE NUMBERS
EVOKE A PANG OF GUILT , A REMINDER OF THE COUNTLESS HOURS LOST TO MINDLESS SCROLLING ? IF SO , YOU ’ RE NOT ALONE .
The pervasive grip of smartphone addiction has become an increasingly common concern in our modern , digitally driven lives . But fear not , there is a remedy - a pathway to liberation from the anxious cycle of screentime consumption . It ’ s time to reconnect with nature , to embrace the beauty of The Garden of England and to reclaim our precious moments of presence .
In today ’ s hyper-connected world , our smartphones have become ubiquitous companions , offering instant access to information , communication and entertainment at our fingertips . Yet , amidst the endless stream of notifications and alerts , it ’ s easy to lose sight of the natural rhythms of life , to become ensnared in the virtual vortex of likes , shares and endless scrolling . Before we know it , hours slip away unnoticed , leaving us feeling disconnected , drained and yearning for something more .
For those plagued by the tyranny of screen-time guilt , the solution lies not in deprivation or self-flagellation , but in the gentle nurturing of nature ’ s embrace . Take a leisurely stroll through a sun-dappled park in one of Kent ’ s pretty towns , feel the soft caress of the breeze against your skin at one of our beaches , or revel in the symphony of birdsong that fills the air by taking part in the RSPB ’ s Garden Birdwatch ( rspb . org . uk / whats-happening / big-garden-birdwatch ). In these moments of quiet contemplation , the cares of the digital world fade into insignificance and are replaced instead by a profound sense of peace and serenity .
Studies have also shown that spending time outdoors can improve mood , boost cognitive function and enhance overall wellbeing . From the majestic expanse of Kent ’ s woodlands to the tranquil serenity of our meandering rivers , nature in Kent beckons with open arms , inviting us to rediscover the simple joys of being right here , right now .
It is not just adults that suffer from the temptation of the screen either . According to research brought to light by GO Outdoors , tots who have more than one hour of screen time a day develop worse communication and daily life skills . Researchers studied 885 children aged 18 months to four years old and assessed the correlation between three main factors – average daily screen time at age two , amount of outdoor play at 18 months and two years old , and neurodevelopmental outcomes . The study , conducted at Japan ’ s Osaka University , found that communication and daily living skills were worse in four year olds who spent more time watching television , playing video games and using smartphones at age two .
The results , published in the journal JAMA Paediatrics , revealed that 18 % of the negative effects of screen time on daily living skills were mitigated by outdoor play , as well as resulting in better socialisation . To help children step away from the screens and improve their development , GO Outdoors is encouraging families to prioritise outdoor play as a simple solution to mitigate some of these negative impacts of screen time . Their ideas include family bike rides , skimming stones , wildlife walks and building dens outside , amongst other activities .
So , the next time you find yourself awash in a sea of screen-time guilt , remember this : there is a world of wonder waiting just beyond your doorstep . Embrace the rhythm of nature and let its timeless wisdom guide you back to a place of presence , connection and authenticity . In the warmth of nature ’ s embrace , the anxieties of screen time fade away and are replaced by a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of life itself .
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