Smart phones and mental health

[Meeasy]

Are smart phones part of the problem? This news piece talked about the negative side effects of social media and other compulsive habits like texting and checking email. I try to set boundaries for myself but often fail. This is not a problem just for teens. I can relate. I need to break some habits as part of my self care tool kit. Good story

pbs.org/newshour/bb/smartph...

[20Voices]

I used to have my phone switched on all the time and even kept it next to my bed, until I became ill. I now leave my phone down stairs and switch it off at night. I re-organised my bedroom so that the only electronic gadget in my room is my alarm clock. My ex liked to have a large TV on the wall and his computer console set up in the bedroom, but that has all gone. I find I sleep so much better having made those changes.

I don't carry my phone with me all day and make sure I put it in a bag or on a table when I am in the house.

I also make sure that I switch off my computer an hour before I go to bed so that I have time to relax and read a book before I go to sleep.

I think we do spend too much time on computers and phones and have lost some very good skills. I have gone back to some of the crafting I did when I was younger and am really enjoying it. I limit my time on social media as I think it can be a bit impersonal and people don't realise how hurtful their comments can be and some seemed to just write things without thinking of the consequences.

Thanks for posting the news article.

[Meeasy in reply to 20Voices]

Good tips and advise. My attention and focus is really starting to suffer. It can be addictive. I go through good phases then I will binge out and fall into bad patterns. It's a self sabotage and avoidance pattern. The social media leaves me comparing myself w others, frustrated and passive aggressive. Telling on myself here helps. Good luck ✌️

[Depressed1996 in reply to Meeasy]

I agree and do the same thing. Always compare myself to other people on social media. Even tv effects me a lot I try to avoid the news

[mapofgaia]

I'm probably older than you 59 and remember when no one had smartphones. We would have laughed if someone said we'd carry around a computer in our hands that connects is to the www and only our own tribe. No one talks to each other anymore. I think it's impossible to make friends now. Everyone has a pretend life on social media. This is actually my very first foray into it. Everyone needs to turn them off sometimes. Read a book. Not Kindle a real book. Talk to someone if you can get anyone to. It's pretty hard these days.