Mental health: How can you protect yours in an age of technology?
We’re now well into the 21st century, and technology has become an integral part of everyday life. Whilst the use of devices has become somewhat second nature to the younger generations, those in their golden years haven’t necessarily found adapting to this new way of living particularly easily. However, the benefits that technology can bring to our lives have most definitely persuaded many older individuals to pick up their phone – but how, exactly, can we ensure that the increased use of technology doesn’t negatively affect our mental health?
There’s often concern surrounding confidentiality and privacy online, with some users abusing their ability to connect with others on social media. Those who fail to build resilience and learn how to protect themselves online can be more susceptible to suffering from feelings of anxiety or irritability.
Find a balance
Technological devices and their applications are deliberately designed to be addictive, with many of us spending several hours of the day staring at our screens. This is, undoubtedly, an unhealthy habit that has been known to negatively affect mental health, but is certainly one that can be tackled with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Whilst there are a multitude of benefits that technology can offer to daily life, such as having the ability to do your grocery shop at the comfort of your own home, spending too much time on screens can be damaging to our health. Similarly to many other aspects of daily living, it’s best to use your devices in moderation. Try allocating a couple of hours per day in which you can enjoy them, with breaks in between to rest your eyes – but make sure to put them away at least three hours before you go to bed. If you initially struggle to limit yourself, organise to meet a friend/family member instead – it’s important to make sure that technology doesn’t stand in the way of interpersonal relations.
Avoid technology before bed
Many types of digital technology, including computers, tablets and mobile phones emit blue light when in use. This can be damaging to eye health, so it’s important to try and avoid overexposure. This light can also have negative impacts on our sleep patterns, reducing the production of melatonin at night-time. This is important in helping us get a good night’s sleep, so if possible, try to put devices out of sight a few hours before bed.
Be mindful
The world of social media is a fast-paced one, with news constantly regenerating and short-length content designed to keep users engaged. This has been shown to reduce the attention span in online users, making everyday tasks (such as reading a book) more difficult. It’s important to remember to stay mindful in an age where we’re constantly trying to keep up-to-date with changes in technology. Try taking a more mindful approach to other activities – such as paying more attention to nature on an outdoor stroll, or eating your meals without distractions.
Although overexposure to online content can be damaging, when used in moderation, it can have a profound positive impact on our lives – from allowing us to stay in contact with others, whilst presenting you with a whole new world of knowledge. To find out more about how you could benefit from being online, read our previous article.