Reference no: EM134040401

Question

In the contact with nature video, Dr. Strayer notes that the average American spends more than 10 hours a day engaged with a digital screen. In contrast, they spend less than 30 minutes a day outside. He further notes that when it comes to "multi-tasking," only about 2% of people can multi-task. For the remaining 98%, multi-tasking can waste up to 25% of the work day. He tells a story about seeing a woman in a natural setting on her phone and concludes, she "may as well have been in a grocery store parking lot". When we are on our phones or other devices, we fail to notice things in plain sight. There is much evidence that being outside and in contact with nature may have several different health benefits. According to Dr. Strayer, to get full restorative benefits of contact with nature, though, we need to leave technology behind.

Before completing this discussion question, note what time it is, and go outside (if possible, with no electronic devices whatsoever). It is completely up to you what you do while outside, whether standing, sitting, walking, etc. Take some time, and when you feel 'ready to come back in,' note the time again when you go back inside.

If possible, write an initial post as soon as you can after being outside.

For your initial post on the DQ 3 Discussion Board, answer the following questions:

How long were you outside?

Did you bring any electronic devices with you (this includes your phone)?

How did you feel while you were outside?

How did you feel after you were outside?

What did you do while you were outside?

Briefly describe your outside surroundings, using as many of your senses as possible. Include if it was morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc.

After spending this brief amount of time outside, reflect on your reading from Ch. 15 and the contact with nature video featuring Dr. Strayer.

What value does being outside have for you? In addition, what are your thoughts on the impact of screen time to your overall well being?