Tech devices like smartphones and laptops have transformed the way we live, opening us to brand new career opportunities, and generally bringing ease to modern life. Unfortunately, most of us have also felt the sting of tech used in the wrong way, either from hours of comparative scrolling on social media, or continual news updates delivered to our phones daily and bringing our moods down a fair few notches.
In truth, though, technology doesn’t have to be a toxic thing in your life. In fact, each of our devices also holds a wealth of potential wellness benefits and mindful opportunities that we could tap into instead.
Let’s consider the best non-stressful alternatives worth tapping into on your tech devices right now.
# 1 - Audiobooks
Most of us wish we had more time for reading, but it’s rarely possible when we’re juggling daily life. Audiobooks are a great way to get your reading time in while you’re on the go and available across devices thanks to platforms like Audible. Here, you can pay monthly and enjoy one audiobook, plus a load of free books and podcasts that are included in your membership fee. If you like the idea of audiobooks but don’t think you’ll get through one a month, you can also find loads of free listening options on Libby the library app if it’s available in your area.
Audiobooks pave the way for hands-free listening during the school run, or while you’re cooking dinner. You can also choose to listen to audiobooks at quarter or double speed if you’re up to the challenge, meaning tech could be the reason you finally double your reading output
# 2 - Online Games
Why not ditch your social media apps for online games? Most smartphones now include readily installed online games like Jewel Crush. There are also plenty of websites that offer the opportunity to play timeless relaxing games like Minesweeper or Tetris.
By filling your commute with a quick round of these games, rather than toxic social media scrolling, you can enjoy benefits like stress relief. The more you play, you may also start to enjoy unexpected benefits such as sharpening your problem-solving skills and lengthening your focus.
# 3 - Digital Therapy
They say we could all benefit from therapy, but not all of us are willing to take the leap towards in-person meetings. Luckily, you don’t have to these days, thanks to online therapy that’s available on our devices at a time and place that suits us.
Popular online therapy sites typically work based on set monthly fees, which buy you access to a predetermined amount of online sessions. These sessions can happen via video or message and tend to be with a therapist that’s specifically picked according to your profile. It’s a new age of therapy that could end up working wonders. And it’s all possible because of your digital devices.
Do you dread picking up your phone each morning? Start making more mindful tech choices with the help of these suggestions.