By Jane Derenowski
NBC News producer

Part 3: LOOKING BACK TO THE LAND

The last part of the Back to Basics journey took me and NBC's Chief Science Correspondent Robert Bazell to the small town of Sells, Ariz. This is home to the Tohono O'odham Indian Nation. The Nation has recently struggled with alarmingly high rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity, but it is now looking to the past to create a healthier future. 

Years ago, they relied on farming and ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains. But along the way, the practice was abandoned along with many traditions.

Now, with the help of Nation elders, young and old alike are returning to the farms and reviving customs such as storytelling, O'odham dance, and singing.

The result: slow but steady progress toward better health and a re-birth of the Tohono O'odham culture.

Learn more about the Back to Basics series.

Part 1: Give kids time to play

Part 2: Take a social media break

By Jane Derenowski
NBC News producer

Part 2: TECH TIMEOUT

Giving kids a break from screens was the goal of Seattle-area high school teacher Trent Mitchell. His students were using texting and social media to communicate faster than ever before. That's why Mitchell and the teenagers at Shorecrest High School decided to take a break from that type of technology and try good old-fashioned face to face time.

NBC's Kristen Welker visited the students to talk about their so-called "social experiment." You might be surprised at how stepping away from it all for a few days impacted their lives.

We'll also hear from busy mom Diane Broadnax on how she got her kids away from computers to participate in a once-weekly family night. Here's a hint: it has to do with what's in the oven.

What happens when an Indian nation with a rich history of health and wellness is faced with a diabetes epidemic? Look for the third installment of the Back to Basics series on The Daily Nightly on Friday.

Learn more about the Back to Basics series.

By Jane Derenowski
NBC News producer

The idea for the Back to Basics Series started with stuff - too much stuff! I was sick and tired of trying to find space and time to organize, repair and maintain the onslaught of possessions gathered, gifted and bought. My closets and email accounts were full, my bank account was empty, and I  had too many commitments on the calendar.

All that clutter found its way into my psyche as well.  The quest for the latest and greatest caused a significant amount of stress - and the same thing was happening to a lot of families I knew. Parents I spoke with felt overwhelmed. On a typical night, they spent hours after work helping overscheduled kids with homework while trying to cook nutritious meals and balance the family budget.

The  search  for  solutions led me to places across the country where simplifying life for kids and grownups was benefiting the whole family.

Part 1: CREATIVE PLAY

In Philadelphia, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a Temple University psychology professor, urges parents to get the kids away from TV and computer screens, limit organized activities, and encourage children to concoct their own games and adventures with simple toys. 

As she tells correspondent Janet Shamlian, those changes could lead to not only a calmer household, but more creative kids. Giving children time to daydream, she says, is key.

In this segment we'll also see the power of the playground. Darrell Hammond is CEO of KaBoom!, a nonprofit devoted to building outdoor spaces designed to help kids learn how to solve problems through play, stay fit, and improve interpersonal communication.

Could you forgo texting and social media for a week? Look for the second installment of the Back to Basics series on The Daily Nightly on Wednesday.