On 12 July, Cultura Creativa organised a mindfulness activity in Parque Lo Torrent, one of Alicante’s green areas, as part of the World Environmental Week of the Youth Green Compass project. Twelve young people joined the session, which took place on a Sunday morning during the holiday period, when they had more free time to spend outdoors and away from their phones.
The activity aimed to promote mindfulness as a practical way to disconnect from screens and become more aware of the present moment. It also invited participants to reflect on their digital habits, on how constant connectivity affects their attention and wellbeing, and on the environmental impact of our online lives, from the energy used by digital services to the resources needed to produce our devices.
Reconnecting with the Present Moment
The morning began with a silent walk through the park. Participants were asked to leave their phones aside and use all their senses to experience their surroundings, paying attention to the sounds, smells, colors and textures of the natural environment.
The group then gathered in a circle for some stretching and basic yoga exercises, helping everyone relax and connect with their bodies. This was followed by an open discussion about screen time, in which participants shared how often they use their phones and which activities are usually replaced by time online. To close the session, they brainstormed ideas for screen-free activities, such as spending time in nature, doing sports, meeting friends, reading, drawing or playing games.
Taking on the One-Day Disconnection Challenge
The activity was directly linked to the One-Day Disconnection Challenge, one of the challenges available on the City Compass App. After the session, participants were encouraged to spend a full day without unnecessary screen use and to share their experience the following day in a WhatsApp group created for the event.
The results were revealing. None of the participants managed to stay completely offline for an entire day, and all of them admitted that it had been very difficult. However, according to the data they shared, all 12 participants reduced their screen time by more than half compared to a usual day. The experience showed that even when a full disconnection feels out of reach, small changes can make a real difference in finding a healthier balance between online and offline life.
Youth Green Compass is a project co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Comentarios recientes