Balance Screen Time with Green Time

With the long summer break already here for some, and around the corner for others, now is a good time to consider how to balance screen time with green time (getting outdoors) - not always easy!

But first, let’s look at WHY excessive screen time is damaging….

* It can negatively impact our mental & physical health

* It disconnects us from the natural world and its enormous benefits

* It can dampen creativity and imagination - both essential for personal growth.

And HOW Green Time is healing….

* Lowers stress & anxiety

* Improves focus & attention

* Improves physical & mental health

* Fosters connections with the natural world

Finding a balance between the two:

➡️ This is what I’ve started doing with my two youngest kids (18 & 13)

Using a loupe to explore the natural world

⏱️ For every 30-40 mins they spend on their screens I get them in the garden for the same amount of time where they can: swing in a hammock or draw (my daughter), do some weeding (yup, my son finds this satisfying!), or spend time discovering a whole new world through the lens of a loupe - we ALL love doing this! 🔎

If you don’t have a garden, you could invest in some plants and window boxes for you and your kids to look after - this still counts as green time. Collect natural materials (feathers, leaves, pebbles, fallen petals), keep them in a box and get them out for your child to make nature art at home 🏵️

For longer stints outdoors there are obviously heaps of options….park visits, camping, kite flying etc.

Remember that our actions speak louder than words. By embracing a digital detox and prioritising green time ourselves, we’re not only enhancing our well-being but also instilling in our children a lifelong appreciation for the many, many wonders of the natural world.