Knowing when to give yourself a break can be a difficult task. Here are a few tips on how to put yourself first in a digital world.
In an era of constant connectivity and curated social feeds, our mental health is under more pressure than ever. “Unfiltered wellbeing” is about stripping away the digital noise and reconnecting with yourself. From managing screen time to combatting “scroll envy,” we explore how to prioritize your peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.
Since the introduction of digital technology in 1930, this space has evolved rapidly, and the world has become dependent on it. Society has become consumed by online media, from the content on our phones to the desktops we work from in offices, or the iPads children are glued to. Since the use of technology has become so prominent, it’s hard to find space to tap out of it. Take a breather and regulate your nervous system.
We’ve compiled a short list of habits that can help reduce mental health stress and boost better daily routines. It’s all about finding a healthier relationship with yourself and the technology we use day-to-day.
Allow Yourself Tech-Free Hours
Given just how much most industries depend on us cross-checking facts on our phones, laptops or desktops, it can sometimes feel impossible to turn all of that off. Modern technology has become a constant hum, a delicate song of background noise in many of our lives. As a society, we’ve grown to be dependent on it, but very little is discussed on how it impacts our mental health.
It’s not normal to spend hours on end staring at a screen. Researching, typing, doom scrolling. The average person in the UK spends 7.5 hours a day engaged with on-screen content. Just over a quarter of the day, gone. Blocking off time to come away from it is bound to increase your mental well-being.
Given the fact that humans need between 7-8 hours of sleep every night, we work around 8 hours a day, and on some occasions, spend between 1-2 hours a day travelling. The idea of 7.5 hours being wasted on screen time is concerning. We need to be treating our bodies better. And it starts with reducing the hours we spend glued to screens. We promise, you’ll probably notice a lack in migraines, too!
Plan Fun Offline Activities
Setting some time aside to come away from all technology is a great boundary to have. But, it’s very unlikely you stick by it, if you don’t have a fun activity to do at that time. Whether it’s reading your favourite book, going for a stroll around your local park, practising an instrument or going for a coffee with a friend.
Planning fun offline activties are a must if you want to ensure you catch a break from the business of living in a tech world. Additionally, you’ll be surprised by how much taking some time out to do non-screen activities can boost your serotonin. If you can fit an hour or two of this in per day, and make it a routine, you’re more likely to have a better relationship with your mental health. After all, the brain loves routine!
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Seek Mental Health Support
For some people, gaining access to an in-person therapy session just isn’t plausible. Whether you’re trying to cram the hour on your lunch break, or the travel to and from the session eats away too much of your time. In-person therapy sessions have, in recent years, become somewhat of an abstraction. A barrier, even.
Online therapy is now just as, if not more, accessible across most practices. Whether you’re looking for NHS services like Talking Therapies, or fancy going private. Chances are, you’re likely able to find a practitioner who’s happy to work around your schedule. While we understand online therapy sessions won’t appeal to everyone, and it includes using technology for 1-2 hours, that time spent with a human connection and time to debrief make it totally worthwhile.
