How many wellbeing or meditation apps do you have on your phone? Headspace, Calm, Happify, the range of apps available that promote mindfulness and ‘switching off’ are endless. But how useful are these apps in helping us to disconnect and focus on the here and now?
According to research conducted by RescueTime, the average person will spend around three hours and 15 minutes on their phone every single day. All of these ‘wellbeing’ apps simply encourage you to spend longer on your phone rather than being mindful in the real world.
Technology to help you limit your use of technology
Google Digital Wellbeing was introduced in 2018 as a way for people to better manage their screen time. It offers users insight into how long they are using their devices and gives the option of setting daily limits with app and site timers.
Apple also introduced a range of digital wellbeing features when it released iOS12 in 2018. These are similar to those introduced by Google including a weekly screen time report and the ability to set app limits.
Yes, apps such as Headspace and Calm do provide users with very useful techniques for things such as mindfulness and relaxation. But, they can also cause us to become stressed and anxious with the constant notifications and distractions. Should there come a time when we say that enough is enough?
Perhaps the answer is for some balance between mindful walking in the outdoors and indoor seated meditation. Using the apps and enjoying the benefits, without notifications, alongside taking the learnt techniques and integrating the new methods into your everyday life without the constant reliance on technology.
In today’s world we are surrounded by technology which is constantly evolving and consuming our everyday lives. Sometimes we can become so engrossed in the digital world on our devices that we forget to live in the real world.
Let’s learn to enjoy being in the present and appreciate the company of those around us. Take the time to breathe and appreciate the beauty around you.
