Brits are looking to the great outdoors for fun as it means they get off the sofa, turn off the television set and go and do something more interesting instead
More than half (55%) of Brits admit doom scrolling is leaving them feeling miserable and on edge, whilst a staggering 81% are craving more greenery and outdoor time, a fresh study has found.
Indeed, 71% of us will ATTEMPT a digital detox at some point this summer, with the research uncovering 30 ways to enjoy the perfect screen-free season, from park picnics (43%) to countryside rambles (28%) and wild swimming (26%).
Additional methods to ditch the sofa and reconnect with nature this summer, according to the 2,000 people polled, include foraging for berries (22%), lighting campfires (19%), cultivating your own herbs (18%), spotting birds (16%), or gathering wildflowers (14%).
Overall, 84% of respondents surveyed by plant-based food brand Squeaky Bean are desperate to spend less time glued to screens and more time engaging with reality, whilst 31% are even planning a completely tech-free break.
Some 43% confess they feel thrilled about tackling activities that frighten them, whilst 31% get a genuine rush from stepping outside their comfort zone. Regarding what’s preventing Brits from embracing more adventure, insufficient time topped the list (43%).
Meanwhile, work obligations (28%), fear of trying something fresh (20%) and family responsibilities (28%) emerged as additional obstacles to living life to the fullest.
Senior therapist Sally Baker said: “Spending time in nature can often provide a sense of perspective. Being in the countryside reminds us we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.
“This shift in awareness can ease anxiety, reduce overthinking and nurture resilience. The Japanese have long recognised the value of ‘forest bathing’ or immersing oneself in an environment amongst trees.
“Being in nature aids an effective mindfulness practice to calm the mind and reduce stress.
“Wild water swimming in nature has been shown to have a profound impact on mental wellbeing. The combination of cold water, natural surroundings, and physical movement helps reduce stress, ease anxiety, and lift low mood.”
Squeaky Bean’s Katie Atkin said: “We’re encouraging people to get outside and dare to try something new, like wild swimming. That’s why we’re supporting London’s iconic Dock2Dock open water swimming event”.
Dietitian and nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker added: “A key concept linked to the mental benefits of open water swimming is blue health, a growing field of research highlighting how proximity to blue spaces – such as oceans, lakes, and rivers – can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function.”
In fact, 83% of Brits are keen to be more adventurous with their food this summer, trying new things – with plant-based foods topping the list of bucket list culinary experiences.
Top free activities to get you off the sofa
Enjoy a park picnic – 43%.
Go on a countryside hike – 28%.
Go wild swimming (sea, river, lake) -26%.
Go beach combing – 23%.
Go stargazing – 23%.
Go berry picking – 22%.
Camp under the stars – 22%.
Climb a big hill – 22%.
Make a campfire – 19%.
Host a garden festival / party – 19%.
Grow your own herbs – 18%.
Toast marshmallows – 17%.
Go on a park run – 16%.
Grow your own tomatoes – 16%.
Make sandcastles – 16%.
Go horse riding – 16%.
Grow a veggie patch – 15%.
Go glamping- 14%.
Go wildflower picking – 14%.
Start bird watching – 11%.
Hug some trees – 10%.
Go surfing – 10%.
Go crabbing – 10%.
Go sailing- 9%.
Press flowers – 9%.
Roll down a hill – 9%.
Go skinny dipping – 8%.
Bury yourself in sand – 8%.
Get an allotment – 7%.
Make marmalade – 6%.
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