As the popularity of electronics and video games increases, it is important to keep a balanced life, and still spend time enjoying fresh air and nature. The youth of the 21st century might not be interested in the great outdoors, but a little time spent away from screens would be very beneficial.

When you choose to spend your time browsing the internet or playing a videogame, you choose to disconnect yourself from your family and the world around you. Spending time outside can be a way to spend time with other people. For instance, going on a nature walk with a friend is a far better way to form a bond than chatting with a stranger online. The days where neighbors chat on their porches might be gone, but an effort should still be made to enjoy nature with other humans.

When people talk of “spending time outside,” you might imagine a full fledged forest with squirrels, pine trees, a river, and a cave, but nature can be found in smaller ways. Nature might be the patch of grass at the park, the potted flowers by your door, or some time spent sitting in your backyard. Taking some time away from fluorescent lights is the easiest way to enjoy nature. Even a walk in the city counts.

Finding the beauty of nature is so much easier than it is usually thought to be. Grab a camera and snap some close ups of flowers, or press them in a book. Study the veins of a leaf, or grab some yarn and sticks from your backyard and make up a craft. Nature inspires creativity like no computer program is able to, and is free to everyone.