Un-plugging: Benefits of a Digital Detox

Let's face it, technology is AMA-ZING! It is the very thing that is allowing me to even disseminate this information so widely and so very fast. However, as awesome as this is, it comes with its own concerns. One of them being our increasingly unhealthy attachment to our devices, apps and cyber social networks. So, for our own sake, a digital detox can really put it all in perspective and help our mental health, significantly. The following are a few ways to a take break from the screen and feel the difference: 

Un-plugging can help in alleviating feelings of jealously, inadequacy and loneliness: from body image to family/friend happiness, seeing everyone's curated social networks can increase the feelings of jealously, not realizing they are coming up for reasons that are not even real, but for a projected self others place online.

Lessening FOMO (fear of missing out): this new term that reflects our feelings of missing out on things that we are not a part of or were unable to attend for some reason. Finding happiness in our current state (after turning off the screen) is an act of mindfulness that can lessen the feelings of FOMO and aid in higher enjoyment of our own day to day activities.

Right before your eyes: life is happening right in front of us all the time, by covering our eyes with a screen, we place our minds in a virtual space and neglect our very surroundings. Turning off that screen, and looking forward, being present, and smelling the roses, so to speak, can be wondrous, even if you are only able to do it on your lunch break. Schedule these moments into your day if need be, they are totally worth it. There are a number of internet tools (ironically) to help in powering down, SelfControl will help in blocking access to whichever sites you ask it to (Facebook, G-mail, a blog, etc.) and allow access to the rest of the internet simultaneously and Freedom will block internet.

In addition, it maybe beneficial to power down completely for an extended period of time periodically. Whether its for a weekend, a week or several weeks, and see how you feel, what you learned about yourself and how your relationships changed. Feel the enrichment of your relationships. Evaluate for yourself the numerous benefits of un-plugging. 

For more on this topic:
http://healthland.time.com/2013/01/24/why-facebook-makes-you-feel-bad-about-yourself/
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/is-fomo-depriving-us-of-our-ability-to-exist-in-the-present-and-take-pleasure-in-the-here-and-now-8449677.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/berkeley-wellness/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-unplugging_b_8917956.html

Apps & Online Tools (Mental Health Version!)

Our cell phones and computers have become almost a part of us. One might even state "these technologies are an extension of the self." As these technologies are such an integral part of our lives, why not utilize these up to their utmost potential. We will be sharing a few of our favorite apps and website which can be used for a more healthful daily life.

Selfspective Mood Tracking: this app allows one to track moods at various times of the day. It has the potential to make one more self-aware of their emotional states. These emotional states can be linked to contexts in the app and tracked over time to give one a grander picture of the emotional states over time.

Calm: Meditate, relax, breathe & enjoy simple guided mindfulness stress reduction: this app allows one to meditate and relax in a few different ways; the app has three guided program options in which one can choose based on relaxation styles. The app can guide the meditation sessions one chooses to participate in on their own. Adding a meditation routine can aid in reducing stress and inducing calmness.

Zenify - Meditation and Mindfulness Training Techniques for peace of mind, stress relief and focus: this app provides short mindfulness tasks, these tasks allow one to tune in and become more conscious of everyday tasks with these short assignments delivered via the app. These mindfulness practices allow for less stress, calmness and overall relaxation.

MoodKit - Mood Improvement Tools: this app has hundreds of mood improvement activities, this app also tailors activities based on one’s desires, it also has a journal and mood logging option, one may also add reminders. This app also has a vast customizable option and a whole host of other options for a variety of different needs for overall better mental health.

CounselChat.com: this website is a great tool for anyone who may have a question they would like answered by professionals in the mental health field. This website also allows for individuals to seek therapists in their local areas. The website provides answers to questions that many people may have but have not received answers to from professionals.

We hope you find these applications and website useful for a more (mental) healthful daily life!