BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get Outside for a Digital Detox

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about digital burnout. Did you even know there was such a thing? To be honest, this was something I have experienced (quite often in fact) but didn't have a name for. That was until I received an email from 4imprint.com, of all places, yesterday that asked the question "Can there truly ever be too much of a good thing?" And then the writer went on to say, "When it comes to screen time, the answer is a resounding yes! Digital burnout—the physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that occurs from too much screen time—is real. And it’s causing people to rethink their relationships with devices.

And get this... Sixty-one percent of people say they are addicted to their screens. That's more than half of all people surveyed! And while I wouldn't say I was "addicted," I'd definitely say that I stare at a screen way more than I should. That being said, I'm among the 53% of Americans that say they would like to reduce the time spent on their computers and/or cell phones by regularly going through a digital detox. 

So what exactly is a digital detox? Well... A digital detox is exactly what it sounds like: A period of time where participants intentionally reduce (or even temporarily eliminate) their screen time. Doing so has been shown to help reduce a person's stress and anxiety, improve their focus and productivity, and even lead to better sleep. That’s good news right? 

Well... I have even better news! The best way a runner can detox is to get outside and get into nature. Now I won't tell you to leave your phone at home for safety reasons, but I will urge you to keep it stashed away with your notifications off for at least a few hours a day, several times a week. Research continues to show that being outside and experiencing nature can improve our mental health and increase our ability to focus... especially when we forego the use of our cell phones and choose to be mindful. 

Think about it. Many of us are in front of a screen for much of our day (at least Monday through Friday) — whether that be a computer, TV, or smartphone as I said before. As a result, we spend less time outside experiencing the natural world. Here are some reasons why we all can benefit from a digital detox in the middle of the great outdoors. 

1. Nature can help us improve our thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities

When we're in urban environments or the office all day, we can experience sensory overload, resulting in tension and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively, according to studies in the National Library of Medicine.

Being outdoors can also have relaxing effects on our minds. Nature can provide a mental break by allowing us to temporarily escape the demands of everyday life. It can also boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

For example, if you're having a mental block writing a paper or can't seem to solve a problem at work, step outside for a breath of fresh air. Take an easy walk around your neighborhood or office. You just might find the answers you were looking for.

2. Nature can improve physical wellness

Getting out into nature can lead us to want to walk, bike, hike, or kayak (great cross training exercises) and run more often. People typically engage in regular physical activity when they're in nature. So, stepping outside can help you keep a healthy weight or even lose weight by increasing activity levels.

Studies also show that being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems (lowers heart rate and blood pressure). Being out in nature often may lead to lower rates of heart disease. The great outdoors can also help you increase your vitamin D level, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system.

3. Being outside can improve your mental health

Nature can help decrease your anxiety levels and can help lessen stress and feelings of anger. Exercise can also help this, but it's even better when you're outside.

Regular access to green spaces (do an internet search to find parks and trails in your area) has been linked to lower risks of depression and improved concentration and attention. Being outside allows us to be social and come together with family, friends, or even people you don't know while on a hiking trail, for example.

Additionally, you may find that you sleep better when you are regularly outside. Daily exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep/wake cycles. By making sure that you get outside in sunlight every day, you can improve your ability to sleep at night.

Nature can also have benefits for children. One study in Denmark examined 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003. They found that children who lived in neighborhoods with more green space had a reduced risk of mental disorders later in life.

Other benefits to being in nature

There are some positive health impacts related to getting outdoors and getting away from the digital world. You can learn more about these in the research summary from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They include the following:

• People who live near parks and green space have less mental distress, are more physically active, and have longer life spans.
• Exposure to nature may decrease death from chronic disease.
• When people exercise outdoors in nature, they do so for longer periods of time and at greater intensities.
• Positive health effects are enhanced when green space includes water (think of Dogwood Canyon on this one!). 

So, there you have it friends. We talk about the positive effects running and nature have on the mind and the mood all the time. But we gain so many more of these benefits by removing distractions and being mindful of our time spent running, walking, and/or hiking in creation. So get away from your computer, TV, and cell phone often and head outside. You'll be so glad you did! Happy Running!