How to build better tech habits for your mental health

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through hilarious memes, cute animal videos, or pictures of your friend’s vacation pics only to realize that an entire hour has flown by? We get it! Our phones, and those never-ending social media feeds, are designed to keep us hooked, so it’s not your fault, and there is zero judgment here. 

And you’re certainly not alone. One study found that young people spend an average of 8.5 hours on their screens per day. Our devices can be a wonderful way to stay in touch with others and the internet can introduce us to many things that we would have never experienced otherwise, but they can also divide our attention and distract us from enjoying IRL moments and connections.

We’re not here to shame tech usage, but instead, the team at Bend is all about finding solutions and realistic boundaries that can help you to have a healthier relationship with your devices and feel your best. 

{{journcgteen="/blogcomponents"}}

Realistic ways to take screen breaks 

• Create morning and nighttime routines. Whether it’s completing school assignments or checking work emails, screens are a necessary part of most of our daily lives. But starting off and ending our day with healthier habits can make a big difference in how we feel. Consider removing your phone from your bedroom (hello, kitchen charging station!) and making this sacred space a no-screen zone. Replace the time you’d be scrolling with a relaxing activity, like journaling, taking a bath, or reading a book. Adding calming habits into your routine can boost your mood, lower stress, and help you to get a better night’s sleep.
  
  
• Schedule tech breaks. Is there a dedicated chunk of time each day or week that you can unplug for a few hours? Maybe it’s taking Friday night as a “Tech Shabbat” so that you can hang out with friends, or maybe it’s Sunday morning so you can take a nature walk. Take some time to notice how you all feel afterward and celebrate tapping into a little mindfulness!
  
  
• Prioritize hobbies or activities. When was the last time that you did something that you really enjoyed that didn’t involve your phone? Consider taking a class, getting creative with an art project, making dinner for friends, or joining a local volunteer group to give back and build connections within your community.
• Avoid multitasking, when possible. Whether it’s scrolling on our phones while watching TV or answering emails while eating lunch, we’ve all gotten pretty used to using tech to do many things at once. To support your ability to focus, try setting down your devices when doing things like eating meals or talking to the people around you.
  

Talk to someone you trust

So many of us have complicated relationships with our phones, especially when it comes to social media. Chances are if you are struggling with it, there is someone around you who has gone through something similar. Reach out to someone you trust to share your experience or talk to a mental health professional for support.

Most of us are too tethered to our screens at times, so cut yourself some slack and know that making small changes can lead to big results. Remember that Bend is here to help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you could use some support. 

‍