Modern life can be very convenient. Since we have a mobile phone, we can call others whenever we need and want. But we are always available. Everyone who has our number, can call or text us. And since the smartphone, we can do a lot more. Search for some information on Ecosia, find a route, book a flight, pay for groceries, text or call with a friend on the other side of the world and share our lives with the rest of the world.
All things that make our lives easier, but it also can make our lives more difficult, as we are always online. Now it’s not only limited to a phone call or a text message anymore. But everyone we are online connected with, can reach us. For your mental health it is important to find the right balance between your online and offline life.
It also depends on what you are doing when you are online. Are you reading some interesting articles or do you search for some relevant information about an interesting subject? Or do you just watch entertaining videos, scrolling down on Facebook or playing games? It is important that you plan your online time and limit the use of it on a day. And that you use it for the right purpose.
According to certain studies, social media is not good for your mental health. It can cause self-esteem issues and can make you insecure. As social media is mostly about showing good things and before you know it, you start to compare yourself with others. But social media is not the same as real life. You don’t know if the person who just posted that happy photo with her friends, really is that happy. So be aware of the reality of online and offline life.
Hereby eight things you can do to find a better balance between your online and offline life.
#1 Make time to do things offline. Put your phone on ‘silent mode’ or ‘do not disturb mode’ and put it away, so you don’t get distracted. Go for a walk, get some exercise at the gym, sit for a silent meditation or read a book.
#2 Enjoy a meal with family or friends. Put your phone away in another room. Enjoy your company, have a real conversation and connect. And of course, enjoy your delicious meal.
#3 Use an app that helps you to monitor the use of your phone. In this way you can limit your time for using certain apps like social media.
#4 Cut it back. Limit the usage of your phone. Do you check your email 3 times per hour? Try to check it every two hours. Take small steps to reduce your online time.
#5 Switch off your notification sounds. So you don’t notice it when you receive a message. How peaceful is that?
#6 Switch off the sound of your phone. Even better, no sounds at all. Yeah!
#7 Switch off your phone. How long ago was it that you didn’t use your phone? Did you know your phone has a power button? You can easily turn it off. So you can spend more time offline.
#8 Switch off all your mobile devices. Like your computer, mobile phone, smartwatch and tablet. You can also turn off your internet. Be completely offline.
When you decrease your time online, your mental health will become better. You will increase your focus, as you don’t get distracted all the time. The blue light of your device can cause restless sleep. So if you turn your devices at least an hour before you go to sleep, it will improve the quality of your sleep. Spending less time online, means you have more time offline. You can use this extra time for things you would like to do. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, so make the right choices for yourself. It is your life, make the best of it.
Jane Regina Sauer 