Easing Anxiety and Depression with Quiet

Whether you are doom scrolling on your phone, looking at all the click-bait online, or watching the news on a television, it is easy to get so wrapped up in the news and social conflict that it can affect your mood. While it's true that terrible things happen to someone every day, why are you feeling as if today is your day, when it really isn't?

If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, OCD or PTSD, the stress of screen content can be especially bad for you. Turning off your screens can be a powerful way to take back your emotional freedom and make way for your mental health.

Here are a few reasons why:

Reduced Distractions: Screens can be a major source of distraction, preventing meaningful communication and interrupting and interfering with relationship connections. Turning them off allows for more focused and effective conversations.

Improved Sleep: What are you doing in the hour before going to sleep. Do you have a de-stressing routine that makes sleep easy and relaxes your mind? Better sleep requires that you don't have screens lighting up or sounding off to awaken you. An alarm clock can lead to improved mood and reduced stress.

Mindfulness: Without the constant barrage of notifications and information, it’s easier to stay present and mindful of what is happening in your life, and those around you. This can help you have the focus and energy to manage any stress and conflict that is in need of resolution in your family.

Quality of Life: Spending screen-free time doing almost anything else will lower your stress level. Finding things to do directly with loved ones can strengthen relationships and help everyone involved feel a sense of greater connection.

All research finds that there are limited benefits, and many problems associated with social media, news and "entertainment" online, and the, now, constant news on TV. All of it is programmed to seduce your attention, but none of it is actually about you.

I encourage you to take back your attention, turn off all of your screens after 3 hours a day, and free your mind to focus on something IRL.