Much has been written and said about how technology causes stress and anxiety.
It causes us to be distracted, affects our sleep, and keeps us from creating healthy connections with other people in the real world.
Obviously, these are big problems connected with digital technology that can negatively impact your life. And that’s especially true if you already struggle with stress and anxiety.
However, what if the power of digital technology could be harnessed for good?
Are there tools that you can utilize that will help and not harm your mental well-being?
The answer is yes.
Communication at the Tap of a Finger
When they first came out, smartphones revolutionized how people communicated with one another. Now it is possible to not just make phone calls or text somebody but to also have access to the internet wherever you are in the palm of your hand. When it comes to managing stress and anxiety, having a smartphone might be the best resource at your disposal.
Phone Calls: The good old-fashioned phone call can be really helpful when you are stressed or anxious. You can call a friend or family member to chat.
Text Messages: Text messages are now the new phone calls. You probably send more text messages a day than make an actual call. This means that the same resources as above can be reached by text vs. a call. Also, if you are in crisis, some crisis response centers now provide texting services.
Video Calls: These days it’s also possible to make video calls through apps such as Skype or Facetime. This can be helpful for those who can’t make it to an office but still want therapeutic support.
There’s an App for That
This well-known phrase can now be applied to anxiety and stress management too. One such is an app called Anxiety Reliever. You can download it to your smartphone and have it with you wherever you go.
Its features include:
- Audio files designed to help you to relax
- Uplifting messages sent by Anxiety Relief to your phone
- A tracking feature that you can use to identify your anxiety triggers
Much like other coping skills—such as breathing techniques, journaling, or exercising—using an app can be another go-to when you are feeling anxious. Instead of being powerless and overcome with anxiety, you have another tool at your disposal to cope.
Using a Smartwatch
Wearable tech has become the new frontier for innovation. For instance, smartwatches are now very popular. That’s because not only can you get text notifications, but you can also collect and track information relevant to your health.
The watch has the capacity to monitor certain body functions and tell you this information. For example:
- Heart rate
- Pulse
- Step count
- Sleep
Why is this information helpful? Because you can use it to your advantage.
For instance, let’s say that you’re feeling on edge this morning, but are not sure why. You look at your watch and notice that you haven’t been very active today. You know that physical activity helps with managing your stress and anxiety. So you get up and go for a walk.
The watch can even tell if you haven’t moved for a while and remind you to get up!
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Oftentimes people who struggle with stress and anxiety feel powerless to do anything about it. Surprisingly, however, digital technology can actually help you to take back some of that power. Through communication and data collection, you can make better decisions about how to cope with anxiety. This, combined with healthy lifestyle choices, can help you to more effectively manage anxiety.
If you would like more ideas about how to combat your anxiety or about my approach to anxiety treatment, please contact me.
