It is normal to feel beneficial when you are always available to answer everybody's beck and call, but it can get quite exhausting and make you entirely unhappy. In recent times, people have noticed that there are many negative effects of always being connected, which is why most have started taking a more balanced approach to screen time. Here are some reasons why it is beneficial to do the same, especially for your mental health.
Reconnect With The Little Things Around YouPeople often concentrate on their screens so much that they miss what is going on around them in real life. If you find yourself waiting in one at a store or doing some exploring, put your phone away and enjoy where you are. Find happiness in the little things, and you might be surprised to see how many good things you have been taking for granted.
Establish BoundariesMost people have the belief that working all the time means that you are more productive. It may get them in the habit of reading work emails even when at home. However, this is far from true. It is always a good idea to unplug and leave the rest of your work for the next day. Unplugging after a long and tedious day has some wonderful effects on your brain. Once you get home, resist the temptation to check your work emails. If you need to make exceptions, only do that for special projects.
Be There For Your Loved OnesIf you feel that staying connected helps you stay in touch with other people, you will be surprised to find that the opposite is true. When you are constantly looking down on your screen, you miss time with loved ones that are right in front of you. Instead of looking at social media while spending time with your kids, for instance, it would be more beneficial if you made time to play with them. It will make both of you happy.
Changing your behaviors about screen time is one way to ensure that you are there for your loved ones. You will be a better person at work and with the people that you cherish the most. If you are in touch with what is happening around you, then you will often be calm.
Here are some tips to help you unplug.*Turn off your phone at a designated time at night. The best time to do this is an hour before you sleep. Alternatively, you can put it in airplane mode.
*Uninstall any unproductive and time-consuming apps on your phone. Social media apps are at the top of that list. If you cannot remove the app completely, turn off your push notifications in your device's settings.
- Make some nice healthy food and enjoy it with family and friends. Your nutrition can play a huge factor in how you feel.
*If you are going to dinner with family or friends, leave your phone at home. Although it may seem scary when you first think about it, you will still be fine without it.
*Read a real book or anything else that is tangible. It could be an informative magazine.
Unplugging can make a real difference in improving your mental health because it allows you to be calmer. For advice about your mental health speak to the Clarity Clinic.
