to refresh your perspective

1. Read the excerpt below from The Communication Age: Connecting and Engaging 3rd edition by Edwards, Edwards, Wahl, and Myers.
2. Follow the “What To Do Next” recommendations and spend some time outdoors unplugged from technology. Note: Please do this in a safe, smart manner. Be aware of your surroundings.
3. Write a 1-2 page paper reflecting on your experience. What are your thoughts on the article? What was your experience outdoors like? Did you take your phone with you for safety’s sake? Is spending time outdoors normal for you? Why do you think the outdoors refreshes perspective? In your opinion, what is it about nature that enhances our self-concept?

Your reflection paper should be 1-2 pages long, double-spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman font. Margins should be 1 inch. No heading other than your name and title at the top of the first page. Do not double-double space between paragraphs.

Upload your Reflection Paper to this assignment page in Word or PDF. I cannot open other formats. If I cannot open your paper you will get a zero.

To Refresh Your Perspective, Head Outdoors

in The Communication Age: Connecting and Engaging 3rd edition by Edwards, Edwards, Wahl, and Myers

Spending time in the serenity of nature is a wonderful way to escape the stress and craziness of everyday life. Many people spend all day connected to their various devices, gazing at multiple screens, rapidly switching between apps and platforms to maintain numerous ongoing conversations and relationships. This constant connectivity can make you feel hurried, overloaded, unable to focus, and inadequate. Feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem are especially common when people engage in social comparison on social networking sites (Vogel, Rose, Roberts, & Eckles, 2014). Sometimes, the best thing to do is to leave the devices behind and get outside to enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and the sights and sounds of the natural world.

Whether it’s a hike in the woods, a dip in the ocean, or a stroll through the grass, research demonstrates that device-free time outdoors can positively impact physical, mental, and emotional health. Exploring nature is a great way to sharpen your senses, quietly reflect and consolidate your memories. It is especially good for increasing creativity, problem-solving ability, and insight (Atchley, Strayer, & Atchley, 2012), as well as concentration (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).

Time in nature can also elevate your mood and enhance your self-concept. Research shows that spending time in nature is associated with decreased levels of stress and mental illness (Coon et al., 2011), especially depression and anxiety, and increased levels of self-esteem (Barton & Pretty, 2010).

Unplug and appreciate the beauty of nature often to protect yourself from the potential downsides of heavy and prolonged use of communication technologies. You’ll emerge with clearer perspective and heightened self-awareness that you can bring to the rest of your day’s activities and communication encounters.

What To Do Next:

To make the most of your time outdoors, try to:

• Find out if your university, neighborhood, or city maintains trails, park systems, or nature preserves. Many college and university campuses include nature conservancies or beautiful outdoor grounds.
• Take a scenic walk or bike path to your destination when you need fresh perspective or a boost to your mood or self-esteem.
• Switch off the smartphone while you’re out there. Tune in to the sounds, sights, and smells around you.
• Be fully present in the moment. If your mind travels elsewhere, gently and patiently return your awareness to your natural surroundings.
• Consider making offline time in nature a replenishing daily ritual.