Find Balance and Get Outside

Log Off and Get Sun!

The days are finally getting longer where I am! The sun is coming out, and that means it’s time for you to go outside!

We all know how much technological advances have done for us. There are so many benefits from connectivity to entertainment to education. Most of us rely on technology almost all the time. But we also have to remember to keep our screen times in check.

Technology is addictive. There’s no doubt about that. From games to social media to just being able to access work or school almost all the time, the easy accessibility of everything makes it hard to put our electronics down.

But our world is not just our screens. Not even taking into account the often extremely toxic environment of the internet, being outside can not only make you reconnect with nature and the world but also with yourself.

With summer coming closer, it’s so key to remember how important it is to unplug. But being realistic, most of us don’t have the option to completely unplug. This is why balance is the real goal.

Here are some of my tips on creating a balance and getting outside:

Set boundaries

- Maybe make a screen time limit on certain apps that you may use too much.

- I have limits on TikTok and Instagram at all times, but they’re less in the summer to encourage me to go out.

- Have a set place where technology is completely off-limits

Set time aside

- Take a few hours every day to be outside or even just logged off, maybe reading or enjoying a tech-free hobby

Plan fun things

- If you’re dreading the time you set aside for no technology, you’re not doing it right.

- The key is planning things you’re excited to do.

- My newfound personal favorite is pickleball! I had no idea it was even a sport until some of my friends introduced it to me. It’s a lot of fun, and it doesn’t feel like I’m constantly wishing I was inside on my phone.

- If you love running or working out, plan doing it outside. Maybe in a park or if you have access to a beach of some sort. A change of scenery is so good for you.

- Our world has some amazing sights that could be so close to you that you just don’t know about! Do some easy research (tech benefit!) and find something close to your area that excites you! Go on a day excursion.

Company

- I love doing things with my friends outside. Life feels completely different when we’re all together having a picnic versus working on our Chromebooks at school.

- Reconnect with your friends and family away from tech. It’s completely different and so worth it.

On the other hand, everyone needs alone time sometimes. My personal favorite time to spend with myself is just lying in the sun. Sometimes I like reading some of my favorite books from when I was younger. It’s a nice way to relax and just to slow everything down.

So in conclusion, go outside and have fun!