Have you noticed that walking in nature has an impact on your health? And have you noticed that when you spend a whole day indoors in front of screens, computers, televisions, or on your phone, you feel more tired and irritable? All these feelings have a cause-and-effect relationship on your body, whether it’s the outdoors or digital air.
The digital atmosphere: a threat to our eyes
Firstly, our eyes are among the first victims of overexposure to screens: when you are in front of a digital screen, you unconsciously blink less and the blue light is reflected directly onto our brain. This dries out our eyes and causes eye strain. This strain can lead to blurred vision, stinging eyes and even headaches.
In the most severe cases, this overexposure can lead to problems with eye coordination and a form of short-sightedness.
Digital technology also represents a terror for our psyche.
Unfortunately, the eyes are not the only victims of overexposure to screens: there is also a noticeable decline in attention span, as well as an increase in chronic stress, anxiety, and even a decrease in self-esteem and depression. All of this creates burnout and a form of saturation in your surroundings.
Screens also promote a certain ‘aggressiveness’, which affects morale and emotions as well as sleep, which consequently becomes more restless and much less restful.
Added to this is the risk of addiction, similar to that associated with alcohol or drugs.
Physically speaking, staying in front of your screen makes you sedentary. You are then more likely to develop obesity, with all the disadvantages that come with it.
Lack of concentration, another consequence of digital technology
Have you ever noticed that your concentration is getting worse? For example, when you’re watching a film, you can’t help checking your phone for notifications. By clicking on this notification, which is probably unimportant, you distract yourself from your primary goal (watching the film) and lose track of everything your brain has been thinking about up to that point. Our little heads are constantly stimulated by the hundreds of notifications we receive every day. These stimuli can create unrealistic needs and gradually distract us from what is essential.
Solutions exist to limit the effects of overexposure to screens.
If you want to counteract the effects of overexposure to digital screens and rest your eyes to reduce strain, you can try this technique: the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 metres away from you for 20 seconds.
What’s more, vitamin D, which is good for your energy levels and your body, is also good for your eyes! When you go outside, you are directly exposed to the sun (even if it is hidden behind clouds), which means you are filling up on vitamin D. This vitamin is very good for bone growth and your immune system, and is also excellent for the health of your eyes. It promotes tear production and therefore prevents dryness and eye fatigue.
More positive emotions outdoors!
Regular contact with nature brings happiness and serenity and helps you escape from your daily routine. What’s more, outdoor physical activity is particularly beneficial for your breathing, thanks to the trees and the dopamine released when you exercise. In addition, it drastically reduces your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
What’s more, being outdoors helps develop your senses. It increases your concentration, productivity and even creativity. Your positive emotions are multiplied and you go to bed at night in a better frame of mind. Your sleep is better quality and your body is more rested.
So remember to get out and clear your mind, observe nature, watch plants grow, listen to the trees rustling, or admire birds in flight. It may seem pointless, but it’s good for your physical and mental health. And if nature doesn’t interest you, then opt for outdoor activities that combine business with pleasure! Many sites offer a wide range of outdoor activities, and for total immersion in the heart of a forest, consider tree climbing!
