As if chilling in a green space, with friends, away from silly distractions, is not enough on its own! There is a reason that doctors in UK are now literally prescribing green pills and we have the science to prove it. [1]
First, humans are born into nature. Ever wondered if our pre-historic ancestors had been training their bodies for the metropolitan chaos that ensued? They were not. In fact, even though as children we are more connected to nature, this relationship fades out as the years go by. Maybe mindlessly scrolling through a thousand faces per day seems normal, but laying next to a tree is even more normal. [2]
The challenge is not to merely get your tablet into the wild. It is about re-connecting with nature by dis-connecting with the digital world. In a study of 500 young people, it was found that digital detox apps that restricted availability of social media helped them focus better and live with less distractions. [3] What we’re suggesting needs no discipline and parental controls we impose on our baby-selves that want to consume. About 20′ minutes into nature can relax your mind and give you something to preoccupy yourself with. You know, like people used to do for the past 299.000 years? It’s in you, so you don’t even have to fight for it.
In turn, we challenge you to self-medicate and challenge your friends to do the same.
First, use the hashtag #GifttheGreen to invite more people on your social media. But let this be your last post for now.
Then, find a green space where you feel connection to Nature.
Now wait and see those challengers stepping off the internet and into the wild.
References
[1] GPs at five practices in Edinburgh have started prescribing nature by Tracey Bryce
[2] Born connected, stay connected? by Miles Richardson
[3] Does Digital Detox Work? by Desirée Schmuck