Remember the crinkle of the wrapper when opening a brand-new CD? What about the comforting smell of a bookstore and the satisfying weight of a new paperback in your hands?
These are the moments of non-screen joy that many of us hold dear as sacred childhood memories. It’s no wonder that Gen Z is breathing life back into the vinyl, CD, Polaroid and print book industries: We crave a connection to the physical world. As we celebrate National Wellness Month in August, let’s take a step away from our screens and embrace the joy of unplugged activities. And let’s use this digital detox to connect with — and protect — the planet and all its inhabitants.
Experts found that excessive smartphone use can alter the brain, according to WebMD. Each scroll or swipe releases dopamine, affecting the same brain areas that respond to addictive drugs like cocaine. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety and even depression. Logging off can do us good. So, instead of scrolling social media, let’s stroll with our animal companions or visit a nature preserve to appreciate animals in their natural homes.
When it’s time to eat, forget the meal-delivery apps. Instead, visit your local farmer’s market or grocery store for healthy vegan foods, including legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, nuts like almonds and walnuts, whole grains like quinoa and oats and fruits like berries and avocados. Basing our meals around foods like these can support mental health and overall well-being. A study in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience even suggests that going vegan might help reduce anxiety and stress. So why not feed your senses with a hearty lentil chili, creamy avocado pasta or a savory quinoa salad?
Choosing healthy, sustainable and compassionate foods also supports our mental wellness because it empowers us to help curb the climate catastrophe and cruelty to animals. Every bite counts: The University of Oxford published a study that found that meatless sausages and burgers are up to 10 times more planet-friendly than their fleshy counterparts. The study evaluated greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water stress. This should come as no surprise when we consider that animal agriculture pollutes air, water, land, ecosystems and soil while causing suffering and death to billions of vulnerable animals.
Compassion is more than clicking a “like” button. Going vegan actively spares animals from confinement in cramped, filthy conditions, agonizing procedures like castration without painkillers and terrifying deaths. When we go vegan, we can breathe a sigh of relief knowing we are not funding this cycle of misery. We can keep the kindness going by preparing a vegan meal for a local soup kitchen or a friend stuck at home and letting them know how eating plants helps animals and our health.In addition to enjoying delicious vegan meals, we can opt for animal-friendly, screen-free entertainment by visiting an animal sanctuary (ensure that it’s accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries), or by purchasing tickets to an animal-free circus. Instead of exploiting animals like elephants and tigers, these thrilling shows feature skilled human performers such as tightrope walkers, trapeze artists and jugglers who consent to participate —something animals don’t and can’t do. We can also refuse to participate in cruel attractions like taking selfies with baby tigers or elephant rides. Every ticket to such gimmicks bankrolls animals’ suffering.
Giving back to the community beats hours of scrolling through TikTok. Studies reveal that volunteering boosts happiness and life satisfaction. And participating in volunteer activities can build social connections and foster a deeper sense of purpose. Many animal shelters rely on volunteers to do laundry, clean kennels and walk homeless animals. Or you could offer to walk a lonely dog whose guardian is away all day. These animals deserve attention, exercise and friendship, too.
When we unplug from our devices, we discover real connections — and countless ways to make the world a better place.
