Despite all the marvels of living in a digital age, it’s hard to ignore that most people have become unhappier on average. Have a look at these five ways in which you can prioritize self-care in an increasingly technological society and improve your mental health.
1. Take a Break
Work takes a lot of time for a lot of people in this day and age, but you can take a step back and try to catch a break every now and then. Plan for holidays and vacations with your family whenever possible so you can enjoy more time together, and have fun outdoors. You could even save up for a vacation home and join the 42% of the people who buy a vacation home and plan to use their property as a family retreat. This will make it easy, hassle-free, and affordable for you to take a break whenever you want one.
2. Decrease Screen Time
Spending a lot of time looking at electronic devices not only has a potentially negative impact on your eyesight, but can also affect your mental health in a bad way. To avoid this, decrease your screen time as much as possible, especially close to bedtime. When you do this, you may find it easier to wind down for bed and get deeper and more restful sleep. Do the same with work by avoiding leaving tasks pending until later in the evening and it may become easier for you to work towards developing other positive habits during your life.
3. Take Care of Your Health
Good health can make a big difference in your life, so ensure that you’re current on all your vaccinations and have had a health and wellness checkup at least once every six months. Don’t forget about your oral health, as regular visits to your dentist can help you find out any issues you may have and help you fix them. According to Humana, more than four million people in the United States wear braces. Up to 25% of them are adults, so you need not shy away from seeking and getting the right orthodontic care you need, which may include wearing braces.
4. Keep Fit
Another way in which you can take care of yourself is by exercising and keeping fit. Stay active and it may improve your mental health and not simply your body, making it entirely worth your while. If possible, sign up for a gym membership and there’s a high chance you may meet like-minded individuals with whom you can maintain your fitness and work towards your body and health goals. Alternatively, exercise at home with the help of a good app or instructional videos and it will be easy for you to maintain good health.
5. Learn a New Skill
Finally, stop scrolling endlessly on your phone and learn a new skill, preferably one that can be done outdoors and maximizes using your hands. From gardening and woodworking to jewelry-making and baking, there are countless things you can learn to do. Either use the internet for this or take a physical class, whichever option appeals more to you and to which you feel you would commit better. When you have something to occupy you and keep you productive and away from technology, even if just for a while, you may feel less stressed and become more energized. Between 2020 and 2027, the machine tool market’s compound annual growth rate is expected to increase by 4%. This means it may become easier to get different tools you need for skills you’re interested in.
These five methods can help you prioritize self-care in today’s society and enjoy a more fulfilling life.