Nature and digital detoxes can keep lockdown blues at bay, new study reveals
Reduced screen time, digital detoxes and heading outdoors can help keep the lockdown blues at bay, a new study has found.
According to research, which was conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, people that soak up nature and spend less time scrolling online are happier than those cooped up indoors. In fact, the 286 participants in the study said that reduced screen time helped them to feel less lonely, too.
"All we can say is that our participants were happier when they were outdoors compared to indoors, irrespective of what they were doing outdoors," Professor Viren Swami, study co-author from Anglia Ruskin, told MailOnline.
"Irrespective of everything else, greater daily screen-time was associated with lower levels of happiness (in other words, the effect of screen-time was independent of being indoors/outdoors). We also found that greater daily screen-time was associated with higher levels of loneliness."
While lockdown restrictions are vital in helping curb the spread of the virus, researchers found that prolonged periods of lockdown sadly takes its toll on our mental health – and embracing nature has never been more vital. Whether it's heading out for an afternoon ramble or walking the dog, spending time outdoors has a beneficial impact on our psychological wellbeing.
Viren confirms this, adding: "Being outdoors provides opportunities to escape from the stresses of being confined at home, maintain social relationships with others, and engage in physical activity – all of which can improve mental health."
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