The importance of replacing screen time with 'green time'

We live in an age where our phones seem to buzz more often than the wind rustles the trees. Screens dominate our attention, they wake us up, fill our commutes, and wind us down. But while scrolling offers quick hits of distraction, it rarely offers what we truly need: restoration.

As the research keeps reminding us, time spent in nature, i.e., “green time”, is one of the most effective ways to reset our minds and bodies. It’s not just about grand adventures or mountain views; even a few quiet minutes outdoors can help us slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the world beyond the glass of a screen.

Why green time matters

Spending time outdoors gives our brains a break from the constant stimulation of digital life. Studies have shown that nature exposure improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances focus. In fact, people who regularly spend time in green spaces report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower stress levels than those who don’t.

When we swap scrolling for a short walk among trees or even a sit in a park, our nervous systems shift from alert mode to rest-and-restore. We become calmer, more grounded, and more present, feelings that are almost impossible to replicate through a screen. In fact, psychologists have given this a fancy name; Attention Restoration Theory.

The challenge: Letting go of digital distractions

Of course, knowing the benefits doesn’t make it easy. Our devices are designed to capture attention, every notification, every update, every endless scroll gives us a hit of dopamine that keeps us coming back for more.

Compared to that instant stimulation, stepping outside might seem… uneventful. No likes. No updates. Just wind, sound, and stillness. But that’s exactly where the healing begins.

The first few moments without your phone might feel uncomfortable, even boring. Yet boredom is often the doorway to awareness. When we stop filling every pause with scrolling, we begin to notice the textures, smells, and subtle rhythms of the natural world. These quiet details gently retrain our minds to focus and to be rather than react.

Nature doesn’t have to be dramatic to be restorative

You don’t need to escape to a national park to feel the benefits. Research shows that even short, regular contact with nearby nature, a lunchtime walk under the trees, sitting beside a garden, or simply standing outside and breathing deeply, can make a difference to mental wellbeing.

What matters most is consistency and presence. It’s not about chasing waterfalls; it’s about being where you are, without the constant hum of notifications.

Practical steps to reconnect

• Set aside screen-free green time. Try 10–15 minutes outside daily, with your phone on airplane mode or left behind.

• Replace scrolling rituals with outdoor ones. Step outside when you’d normally check your feed. Notice the air, light, and sound instead.

• Engage your senses. Focus on what you can see, hear, smell, and feel, this anchors you in the present moment.

• Join a guided mindful walk. Sometimes it helps to be led. Structured experiences can show you how to reconnect with nature more deeply. Re: Nature specialises in doing just that. Click here to discover more