Let’s face it, we are cruising fast and furious in the 21st century. And smartphones form a very core part of our very existence. Separate someone from their smart gadget for 24 hours, and you will have planted a seed for depression. However, some may argue that this has weakened the social fabric where people now spend more and more time in a virtual world than conventional face-to-face interactions. The wholesome benefits that smartphones have brought into our social lives cannot be ignored.
The Social Side of Smartphones
Smartphones have given people an easy and convenient way to connect to the internet. The webspace is a gateway to the entire globe where you can link up with like-minded individuals, whether it’s friends, dating partners, colleagues, mentors, trainers, etc. We have seen people come together very fast, like during a disaster, to help affected victims. Crowdfunding has also helped people raise funds in a very short time for a good cause, whether it’s to offset someone’s hospital bill or fund a new startup. It means that smartphones are primarily social devices. If you are struggling with addiction or depression, you can easily find help online using your smartphone.
A Smartphone Is a Mental Health Tool
Although people had not accorded mental health the seriousness it deserved in the past, it’s now a major issue in the modern, fast-paced world where economies are unpredictable, and pandemics like the ongoing COVID-19 are hitting hard. When facing mental health problems, the usual recommendation is to see a therapist who, unfortunately, does not come cheap. In these financially challenging times, your smartphone is your perfect mental health tool. For instance, you can download a free app called What’s Up that caters to people with mild to moderate depression by employing therapeutic activities like cognitive behavioral therapy. A similar free app called MoodTools also includes thought trackers, where you can monitor your positive and negative moods and breathing patterns, play distractive games, and get information on symptoms and treatment. You can also try Flow, which will teach you to counter panic attacks.
Make Mental Well-Being Accessible with Your Smartphone
Your smartphone can be your best friend in your quest to improve your mental health. For instance, you can try meditation apps like Calm and Headspace to teach you how to do yoga exercises from the comfort of your own home and release all bad energy. You can also download gym apps that guide you through daily exercise routines meant to release tension from muscles and alleviate stress. Having a like-minded circle of friends is also a great way to feel happy and have strong mental health, and so you could join groups and forums that cater to your interests and hobbies, and this way, you will always have something to look forward to. Another unique idea is to make a habit of watching cat videos on YouTube. As funny as it may seem, this tactic has been found to inject people with an instant dose of joy.
Helpful Websites and Apps When You Are Feeling Lonely
There are many websites and apps where you can interact with like-minded people and enjoy mutual hobbies and interests together. Some of the top ones include:
– Happify
Just like the name suggests, this app is designed to make you happy. You get to meet people sharing the same hobbies and interests as you and engage in fun activities together.
– Beyondthecharter.com
Dating apps and sites have revolutionized how people interact and find romance by using their smartphones. This website is the perfect place to find out which dating network suits your needs. Beyondthecharter consultants suggest that mindfulness training – completed on a smartphone, can help make us less lonely and more social.
– TalkLife
When people commit suicide or act irrationally, it’s due to the lack of someone you can confide in. Talklife is an amazing app that connects you with amazing people willing to listen to all your daily struggles. And it’s through your smartphone, so you don’t have to feel shy.
– Meetup
Meetup is an amazing app that lets you discover events near you based on your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s music, games, science, LGBTQ, dance, or anything you like, this app will show you what’s happening near you.
– Spotify
Music is food for the soul. Spotify lets you create playlists and stream all the songs you like, and you can save them for offline play. So, whenever you are having a down moment, just hit play.
Smartphones are indeed important because there is a high likelihood that you have enjoyed the above nuggets of wisdom on your smartphone. Although it’s possible to lose focus online and end up in sites and forums that don’t build you as a person, there is a whole world of goodies online where you can link up with compatible people and find true happiness.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.