Digital Mindfulness Using Tools to Build a Better Inner Life
Technology isn’t going anywhere, despite fears that its misuse might contribute to the growing rates of mental illness. So, how can society reap the many benefits of digital advancements without falling prey to its potential downfalls? Promoting and practicing digital mindfulness may be the answer.
Digital mindfulness is the practice of being more aware and intentional about the way you interact with technology. For example, rather than mindlessly scrolling social media feeds, it involves paying closer attention to how you choose to spend your digital time. To be digitally mindful means being engaged and fully present when interacting with digital devices. Here are seven digital mindfulness tools that can build a better inner life.
1. Online Therapy
Most people could benefit from receiving therapy at some point in their lives. A skilled therapist can help you navigate the trials of life and achieve everyday mindfulness. They can also provide the tools you need to avoid burnout or deal with the challenges of mental illness. The problem most people face when considering therapy is that it can be hard to make time for it. This is especially true if you have to commute a long way to see your preferred therapist.
Fortunately, online therapy is one of the digital tools that makes it more convenient than ever before to speak regularly with a professional. You can now schedule appointments with an online therapist of your choice without having to leave your house. Digital therapy also tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy, which means you’ll save money on your treatments as well as your commute!
2. Wellness Apps
Wellness apps promote physical and mental health by helping users adopt healthier lifestyles. No app is meant to treat a mental health condition. However, they can support improved mindfulness and wellness by offering various digital tools and education at your fingertips.
Calm, Headspace, and I Am Sober are all examples of mental wellness apps that offer a self-guided personal improvement format. You can choose which features you want to utilize to boost your mood or mental health each day. For example, Calm offers breathing exercises, sleep stories, and stretching programs for better periods of restfulness. Headspace features stress relief exercises, focused fitness programs, and guided meditations. I Am Sober makes it easy to track your sober days, daily pledges, and milestones along your sobriety journey.
3. Wearable Technology
Biosensors and smartwatches are examples of wearable technology that can help you achieve greater mindfulness and overall health. These devices offer differing features, so it’s important to choose the device that makes the most sense for your physical and mental health needs.
For example, some wearable technology tracks sleep patterns, stress levels, and heart rate variability. These features offer revealing insights into the wearer’s overall emotional well-being. For example, imagine your device notifies you that your heart rate is higher than normal, but you aren’t doing anything physically exerting. The underlying cause could be a health issue that requires treatment. Or it could be an indication that you’re stressed out and should do deep breathing exercises or meditation to lower your heart rate.
4. AI Early Intervention for Mental Health
Artificial intelligence is taking the health and wellness industry by storm. AI-powered mental health tools may analyze social media activity, speech patterns, and other detectable digital behaviors. Then, they use that information to detect early signs of suicidal thoughts, depression, or other mental health concerns.
Some doctors are already utilizing early intervention AI tools to assess their patients’ mental health and track potential problems. AI can never fully replace doctor-to-patient interactions. However, they can play a valuable role in providing personalized diagnosis and suicide-prevention services.
5. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is the practice of gradually encouraging patients to confront their fears and overcome them. It’s performed in a safe environment with the guidance and support of a licensed therapist. Unfortunately, exposure therapy can be tricky to implement in some cases. For example, if a person is afraid of flying, it’s unrealistic for a therapist to expose them to an actual plane flight.
With virtual reality exposure therapy, it becomes much easier and less expensive to gradually expose patients to their fears. The patient who’s afraid of flying could put on a VR headset to slowly expose themselves to riding in a plane without ever purchasing a ticket. VR reduces barriers like travel, expenses, and even time constraints.
6. Digital Peer Support
Peer support is one of the best things to tap into when you’re dealing with mental illness and want to increase your mindfulness. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find in-person groups that meet together frequently enough to provide the support you need. That’s where digital peer support comes into play.
Online peer support communities make it possible for people with similar mental health challenges to uplift each other no matter where they’re located. Such communities often offer opportunities for judgment-free sharing of experiences, storytelling, and free tips and advice. They can be extremely helpful for building a better inner life.
Conclusion
In a world where digital tools and apps are often viewed as time-wasters or detrimental to mental health, some stand apart from the rest. Implement one or more of the digital tools above into your everyday life to reap mental health benefits and achieve greater inner peace.
