How to Enjoy a Screen-Free Summer with Wild Swimming, Gardening & Nature

Over half (55 percent) of Brits say doom scrolling is making them sad and anxious, while 81 percent yearn for more nature and time outside, according to a new report.

In fact, 71 percent of us will ATTEMP a digital detox at some point this summer, with the survey revealing 30 activities for the perfect screen-free summer, including park picnics (43 percent), hikes in the countryside (28 percent), and wild swimming (26 percent).

Other ways to get off the sofa and back to nature this summer, according to the 2,000 surveyed, are berry picking (22 percent), building campfires (19 percent), growing your own herbs (18 percent), bird watching (16 percent), or picking wildflowers (14 percent).

Overall, 84 percent of those surveyed by plant-based food brand Squeaky Bean want to spend less time in the digital world and more time in the real one, while 31 percent will even try to have a completely screen free holiday.

43 percent say they feel excited about doing things which scare them, while 31 percent feel a real buzz from doing something out of their comfort zone.

When it comes to what is holding Brits back from being more adventurous, lack of time came top (43 percent).

While work commitments (28 percent), being afraid to try something new (20 percent) and family commitments (28 percent) are other barriers to living life to the full. 

Senior therapist, Sally Baker, comments: “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.

Katie Atkin, Brand Manager at Squeaky Bean comments, “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.”

Overall, 83 percent of Brits would like to be more adventurous with food this summer, trying new things – with plant-based foods topping the list of bucket list culinary experiences.

TOP SCREEN FREE ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU OFF THE SOFA, AND BRING YOU BACK TO NATURE

1. Enjoy a park picnic – 43%
2. Go on a countryside hike – 28%
3. Go wild swimming (sea, river, lake) -26%
4. Go beach combing – 23%
5. Go stargazing – 23%
6. Go berry picking – 22%
7. Camp under the stars –  22%
8. Climb a big hill – 22%
9. Make a campfire – 19%
10. Host a garden festival / party – 19%
11. Grow your own herbs – 18%
12. Toast marshmallows – 17%
13. Go on a park run – 16%
14. Grow your own tomatoes – 16%
15. Make sandcastles – 16%
16. Go horse riding – 16%
17. Grow a veggie patch – 15%
18. Go glamping- 14%
19. Go wildflower picking – 14%
20. Start bird watching – 11%
21. Hug some trees – 10%
22. Go surfing – 10%
23. Go crabbing – 10%
24. Go sailing- 9%
25. Press flowers – 9% 
26. Roll down a hill – 9%
27. Go skinny dipping – 8%
28. Bury yourself in sand –  8%
29. Get an allotment – 7%
30. Make marmalade – 6%

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