Reducing Smartphone Use Provides Stress Relief for Mental Health
In the digital age, our smartphones can often become a source of stress rather than a tool for connection. However, by making small changes to our phone usage habits, we can significantly improve our anxiety levels and protect our mental health.
The focus is not on eliminating phone usage entirely, but on creating boundaries to ensure a healthier relationship with technology. One such boundary is setting a phone curfew at least 30-60 minutes before bed, which can improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
Another strategy is to have an accountability partner who can help you stay committed to reducing screen time. This could be a friend or family member who shares similar goals and can provide support and encouragement.
Designating specific times for social media use can also be beneficial. Instead of mindlessly reaching for your phone when bored or stressed, schedule a particular time for social media interaction. This can limit comparison traps, reduce screen fatigue, and give you control over your time.
Therapy can also provide practical strategies to reduce stress and anxiety levels. If you're struggling, consider booking a session through the provided link.
The article also encourages readers to engage in real-world connections. Prioritising face-to-face interactions, physical activity, and volunteering can foster higher self-esteem and reduce depression.
To track your screen time and become aware of your usage patterns, consider using built-in tools on your smartphone, such as Screen Time on iOS. This can help you set achievable goals for reducing screen time, such as taking small breaks or aiming for less than 2 hours daily outside of educational use.
The article further suggests creating "no-screen" zones in the home, such as keeping phones out of bedrooms at night and avoiding screens during meals. This can support better sleep quality and family interaction.
In addition, encouraging active screen time that involves interactive or educational content like video calls with friends or learning new skills online can have positive cognitive and social benefits.
Holistic methods, such as setting specific times to respond to messages to reduce anxiety, leaving devices away during family or relaxation time, and favouring face-to-face communication to combat digital burnout, also align well with the initiative to bring back simpler flip phones during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Registration is required to join the conversation on Belongly, where you can share your thoughts and comments on these strategies. If you're interested, there's an option to apply on the website mentioned in the article.
In conclusion, fostering balanced screen habits through intentional limits and promoting real-life engagement is key to reducing harmful screen time effects and improving mental health.
Therapists may suggest therapy as a practical approach to manage stress and anxiety levels. Mental health science supports the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with technology, and therapy can provide strategies for this. In an effort to improve mental health, it's advisable to follow health-and-wellness best practices such as setting a phone curfew, designating specific times for social media use, and creating "no-screen" zones at home.
