There’s no denying that technology has made our lives easier in countless ways, but there are still some topics like mental health where it feels like it just can’t do enough. It is one of those areas where science hasn’t caught up to the innovations available yet.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t people out there making huge strides forward with new technology designed to improve our mental health. Here are five ways to use technology to keep your brain healthy and functioning at its full potential.
1) Use meditation apps
Meditation apps like Headspace and Calm let you set a time for meditation, then gently guide you through the process with instructions from an expert. If you have trouble meditating on your own, these apps might be just what you need to start calming down and improving your mental health.
If you’ve been meaning to try meditation but don’t know where to start, the Headspace app is perfect for beginners and experts alike.
2) Try self-help apps
There are several self-help apps designed to improve your mental health. If you struggle with insomnia, some apps help you create a routine so that you know what time to sleep and what time to wake up in the morning.
There are also apps for people who have depression or anxiety. They often work by providing therapy exercises for you, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness exercises. These therapies effectively treat these conditions when combined with traditional medication and talk therapy.
3) Use social media to connect with like-minded people
Social media is a great way to connect with people you may not have met. It cannot be easy to quickly find common ground when you meet someone for the first time.
Social media removes many of these barriers by telling you about the person before you speak with them. It makes meeting new people on social media more accessible and comfortable than meeting new people IRL.
4) Video chat with friends and family
Video chatting with friends and family is a great way to interact personally, which is vital for improving your health. People with depression or social anxiety can feel more at ease when chatting through the screen because it’s easier to control the conversation.
You have time to think of what you want to say before pressing send. It also opens up opportunities for meeting new people by video chatting!
5) Watch educational videos on YouTube
With a lack of resources, people can rely on the Internet to teach themselves how to overcome struggles and even learn new skills. The following educational videos on YouTube cover five topics that will help improve your mental health: self-care, career development, diversity and inclusion, wellness, and first-generation college students.
Conclusion
Technology is already a massive part of our lives and will only become more integrated in the future. But we must take steps to make sure technology doesn’t harm us.
Here are some tips for how to use technology to improve your mental health: Reduce screen time: Remember, not all screen time is terrible. But too much of it can interfere with other healthy habits you have.
If you spend more time on your phone than anything else, make an effort to reduce that time by setting aside specific times when you will turn off social media and other distractions.
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