A STEP BEYOND OUR COMFORT ZONES - WEEK 2

Day 1

This week I continue talking about why we should spend less time on computers and more time in nature. 

Please join me this week to learn about how nature can heal us, increase our self-esteem and reduce stress and frustration and how too much use of smartphones and social media reduce us. During the following weeks I will post suggestions on how we can all together walk lighter within this beautiful nature.

THROUGH THINKING ABOUT ONESELF AS IMPORTANT SOCIAL MEDIA TRIGGERS ITS COMPULSIVE USE 

As summarized in this article, social media engagement has been found to trigger “the self-referential cognition network” – thinking about oneself is important for self-appraisals, and social competitiveness. In fact, humans devote about 30–40% of all speech to talking about themselves, but this number spikes to about 80% of social media posts. The fact that social media participation triggers this survival instinct, could trigger its compulsive use. Why get addicted to a screen rather than looking at the beautiful skies?

Day 2
REWARD AS RECOGNITION THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA COULD BE COMPULSIVE 

As summarized in this article, social media engagement has been found to trigger the “reward network”- possibly the most important neurological reason or compulsive use of online social network among adolescents and teens. The increased activity in the part of the brain associate with reward among adolescents is the reason for social approval and social outcomes administered by peers to be highly valued. Social media provide the adolescent with a constant supply of social rewards in terms of peer recognition and approval, which can serve as a powerful attraction to continued social media use. The release of dopamine during online social media use also makes it much harder for people to resist the activity.

Why not read a book?

Day 3

SOCIAL MEDIA USERS FEEL MORE ISOLATED

Social media users feels more isolated according to a study from 2017 and have increased depression risk by a study in 2014. 

No risk of depression in nature, in fact the opposite as I explained in my blog last week.

Day 4

NATURE INCREASES CREATIVITY

A study conducted by Stanford University researchers in 2014 showed that walking in nature improves problem-solving, and divergent thinking, which is related to formulating original ideas. Both cognitive processes are tied to creativity. 

Day 5

NATURE CALMS AND HELPS US FOCUS

It is shown that urban environments are draining because of their demands on our attention. Nature, on the other hand, restores our mental functioning by giving us a chance to think and rejuvenate our mental resources instead of bombarding us with stimulation.

Day 6

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS REDUCE THE AFFECTS OF ILLNESS

It is shown by a study in 2003 that cancer patients who are regularly exposed to nature experience higher attention. This higher state of mental sharpness in turn causes them to respond better to treatment, stick to their treatment regimens, take a more proactive approach during recovery and experience less stress.

 

Day 7

A WALK IN THE PARK REDUCES FRUSTRATION

A study from 2015 on Urban Brain shows that walking through urban areas increases stress, and frustration in our brains, whereas walking through green spaces calms us and helps us focus.