Leaving your phone at home changes everything

Learn why ditching your device is the key to a more mindful, rejuvenating nature experience.

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In a Nutshell I was recently telling a friend about how I like to take off into the hills and cover as much ground as fast as possible on my bike. He asked if I record my rides on the popular performance-tracking app Strava. When I told him that I did not because I usually leave my phone at home, he seemed a little disappointed. Is it really so unusual to choose to unplug for an hour or 2? What are the benefits? Are there any risks? But first, here are today's health and wellness headlines: • How I hike, bike, and run my way through allergy season • Changing when you eat could affect how you age • How much olive oil per day can cut dementia risk? All packed? Let's go! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Tim Snaith May 17, 2024 • 4 min read

what's got us buzzing Why leaving your phone at home is the key to enjoying nature Picture this: You're enjoying a stroll in the great outdoors, taking in the sights, sounds, and fresh air. But then, a familiar buzz in your pocket yanks you out of your peaceful reverie and back into the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. Yep, it's your smartphone, noisily demanding your immediate attention. This better be important … ️ Well, I'm here to let you in on a little secret that's transformed my outdoor excursions: I leave my phone at home. That's right, I've said "No thanks" to the notifications, "sayonara" to social media, and every other electronic obstacle between me and a state of flow.️ And it's been a game-changer. Without my phone, I'm fully present in the moment. I notice more of the little things, like the way the sunlight dapples through the leaves or how much more cheerful the birds are now that Spring has arrived. It's as if my senses have suddenly awakened, and I'm downloading nature in HD. Ugh, downloading. ️ But the benefits may not stop there. By ditching my phone, I'm also giving my eyes a much-needed break from the blue light that can disrupt our sleep patterns and trigger eyestrain. Plus, I'm reducing my exposure to the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by all our devices, which some studies suggest may have potential health risks. Not to mention the evidence for excessive social media use leading to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. ️ Instead, I enjoy some quality "me time" to think, reflect, and recharge. It's amazing how a simple act like leaving your phone behind can make you feel so much more connected to yourself and the world around you. ️ The only argument I can think of for taking your smartphone with you is being able to call for help, or if it's absolutely essential that dependents need to be able to reach you. That's it. If you're concerned about this, some smart watches and medical devices have the ability to contact emergency services. ️ So, I challenge you to give it a try: If you feel safe doing so, leave your phone at home and embrace every opportunity to unplug, unwind, and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Trust me, your mind, body, and spirit will thank you. ️ 🎤 Over to you: Have you ever tried leaving your phone at home during a nature walk? How did it impact your experience? Tell me about it! Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your experience. (We may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.) benefits of taking a social media break

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Thanks for reading! Morgan will be back on Monday, with tips and tricks for staying mentally sharp.

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