Tag: depression

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Some reasons for which you might need a digital detox

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Αποτοξίνωση.

According to the dictionary the definition of the word detoxification is:

1. The removal or elimination of accumulated toxins from an organism and in particular the special treatment that a person undergoes to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs.

2. Moving away from an environment or abandoning habits that have negative effects on our psychological mood.
Usually, the word conjures up images of exaggeration, of someone needing help. Images of alcohol and drug addiction and maybe food addiction, too. More recently, however, a brand new addiction has been added to the list of excesses that threatens to take over our lives and may require detoxification if we don't stay vigilant: our screens.

  • We wake up with them.
  • We eat along with them.
  • We are getting ready to work with them.
  • We work with them.
  • And then we fall asleep with their blue glow.

While the advent of digital technology devices has certainly made our lives easier in many ways, these beeps, dings, and alerts have invaded our subconscious in a way that no other technology has (certainly over the years we haven't sat over our landlines waiting for something to happen). We depend on our smartphones and computers for almost everything – we work, keep in touch with friends and family, and track almost every aspect of our lives, from our calorie count to our sleep patterns. In a way, our devices have become an extension of ourselves, so much so that when we accidentally forget them somewhere or even leave them on purpose, to get a little distance, it feels like a part of us is missing.

Not exactly a healthy relationship

Fortunately, the issue of technology addiction has come to the attention of quite a few people, with some going so far as to trade in their smartphones for the not-so-smart flip phones of older technology. For those who can remember the days before cell phones and the internet, ditching technology can be tempting – just imagine all those hours we would gain! But of course, these drastic measures aren't exactly feasible for all of us, especially if you depend on technology to do your job. Fortunately, you don't have to throw away your iPhone, but you do have to make some small adjustments to how you use it.

Keep some distance

Do you find it hard to go more than 10 minutes without picking up your phone to check social media, or have you caught yourself turning on your phone for no particular reason, only to be distracted by something else? If you see yourself in all of these, or if you feel that excessive use of your smartphone is even physically harming you, such as pain in your neck, back or hand, it may be time for a digital detox. What is a digital detox? Although not as drastic as the definition mentioned above, it is a way to cut your dependence on digital devices. Example don't use your phone for everything. Is it an alarm clock, timer, wallet, camera and more? While this can be very convenient, you are creating a dependency that could be considered unhealthy. Often what starts as a quick weather check turns into a meaningless 10 to 20 minute tour.

Here are some helpful tips in order to reduce your screen time

WATCH YOUR STATS

You probably spend more time on your phone than you think. Most modern cell phones record minutes or hours of use each day. If we take a look at these numbers, the only thing that is certain is that we will be surprised. We are usually shocked by the amount of time we spend in front of the screen. It can be hard to face your habits, but getting a more in-depth idea of ​​how often you look at your phone could give you the motivation you need to cut back.

ACT NOW

Just like smoking and other addictive habits, digital detox may require drastic measures. Leaving your phone in another room could help, but it might not be enough (you know it's there, you just have to go get it).Instead, turn off your phone for a few hours during the day – for example, at lunch or in the hours before bed. Once you're used to these healthy boundaries, try taking it a step further and scheduling a technology-free day or two—or even an entire weekend—each month. Instead of focusing on your phone these days, focus on connecting with the world around you and on hobbies that make you feel good.

ONE THING AT A TIME

Remember back in the day when watching a movie was just watching a movie? Now the distraction from the phone makes us, after we finally find a movie we're interested in and hit play, then spend the entire hour and forty minutes with one eye on the phone and the other on the TV, scrolling through IG or mindlessly surfing the web. Or I don't know if it has happened to you, to be in the armchair with a good book and with the other hand checking your emails.

The constant temptation of the internet and social media is there all the time, always offering a reason to stop what you're doing. Try focusing on doing one thing at a time by putting the phone away and you'll start to enjoy those activities and hobbies even more. This is especially important when you're having a meal with someone you love or spending time with your family – make a pact with yourself to put real life first.

TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS

Is your phone constantly distracting you with various noises, beeps and dings? Do you feel your heart skip a beat every time he does it? It's kind of irritating but at the same time it also offers a pleasure, that something new has happened and you have to check it out. Silencing your notifications or at least setting them to vibrate is something that can help you step away from your device and bring some much-needed calm into your day.
This also provides the perfect opportunity to practice not replying to your messages immediately. Not answering every little thing directly can give you room to make your answers thoughtful and more thoughtful.

Have you tried a digital detox? Share your opinion and advice with us, and tag us with @snoozemattress.gr or #SnoozeMattress 

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How can ecotherapy help during the climate crisis?

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Climate anxiety is an increasingly used term that refers to fear about the future of the planet.While academic research linking mental health to climate change is limited, it is important to acknowledge its existence and how it is indeed a threat to our physical and mental health.

Statistics from a recent American survey show that predicted climate changes cause fear in 57% of American teenagers and despair in 43%. As the climate crisis worsens, many of us are experiencing high levels of stress, shock and sadness.

What can help us?

Green therapy or ecological therapy. Researched and developed by Theodore Rozask, it examines the relationship humans have with nature.This practice emphasizes that people are part of the larger ecosystem.

Ecotherapy participants primarily do outdoor activities in nature as a form of self-care or therapy.Whether it's walking in nature, listening to music in a green space, or other outdoor activities, studies have noted that people who participate in nature activities have reduced levels of worry and anxiety.While ecotherapy is broad, it provides alternative forms that people feel more comfortable participating in, such as hiking, running, or gardening.Here are 6 forms of green therapy you should know that can help.

#1 – ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY

This practice examines animal-human relationships as therapy for reducing stress, improving mental health and anxiety-related problems.This includes spending time with animals such as horses, dogs, cats, pigs or even birds.

Find out if animal-assisted therapy is offered in your area. The following are websites from relevant associations.

therapydogs.gr

ippotherapeia.gr

hippolysis.gr

trag.gr

#2 – FOREST SWIMMING

Swimming in icy waters, surrounded by greenery is an ancient Japanese practice that invigorates the body and spirit. But one does not need to be a guru to understand the benefits of such an occupation. Forest swimming prompts us to explore forested areas away from electrical devices. It focuses on six main points: ears, eyes, mouth, nose, feet and hands.Although a guide or teacher is not always required, you can find groups that often organize these types of getaways in different parts of Greece.Some tested ideas from us are:

– Air-conditioned diving in the Blue Skra Lake of Kilkis.

– Bathing in the waterfalls of Enipeas after hiking on Olympus.

– Hiking in the river to the source of the river Acheron.

– Kayaking with a guide on the Nestos River and stops for food and swimming.

– Bathing in Kolymbithres in Papigo, Zagorochoria.

#3 – GARDEN THERAPY

Just the thought of adding a little more green to our planet is enough to make us feel better, because gardening not only helps us develop new skills but also helps us appreciate our relationship with the environment. It has been shown to improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills and task organization. Horticulture classes have been designed that teach about plant selection, planting and care. But it is not necessary to enroll in a department. While many of us may not have access to gardens in our homes, you can either look for your local community garden, ask a neighbor or grow a 'mini' garden in your own home.

#4 – ΧAΡΤΟΓΡΑΦΗΣΗ ΗΧΟΥ

Although not considered a form of green therapy, sound mapping is an emerging activity generally done in environmental education programs.Participating is simple – all you need to do is go outside with a pen and paper, close your eyes and listen carefully to your surroundings.Whether it's wind blowing in a certain direction, birds chirping, or bushes rustling, you can mark these sounds on your map by creating a cluster of symbols.Maybe a cloud for wind, a bird for chirping, and a zig-zag for rustling in the bushes.

#5 – LOW FOOTPRINT

Greener choices make us feel better about contributing to the problem. Living green may seem difficult or expensive, but it's actually easy and doable and cheaper in the long run.

At first we have to make a small investment by buying a good bag or canvas bags, but then there is a significant depreciation and we get things that last longer.

  • At home it is good to use biodegradable or compostable bags, in case there is a "brown" compost bin in the neighborhood. At best, you can make your own compost in a wooden box, throwing some organic waste, and use the compost as a natural fertilizer for your plants.
  • In the kitchen, instead of a sponge, you can use a brush made of natural materials and a biodegradable absorbent cloth.
  • In the bathroom, you should prefer recycled and biodegradable toilet paper, natural solid soap in bars and shampoos that are not in plastic packaging. There are also wooden or biodegradable toothbrushes and organic toothpastes.
  • If you want to get more involved, you might want to consider vegetarianism or more specialized laundry, while you can set yourself small eco-challenges and eco-goals.

#6 – CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

Studies have shown that those struggling with their mental health are encouraged to participate in restoring ecosystems in their cities.Conservation projects range from planting trees to cleaning beaches, rivers or picking up trash.Participating in conservation-related projects helps create a sense of purpose and hope for the future health of the planet. Here are some agencies that are active in this area:

isea.com.gr

www.helmepa.gr

dasarxeio.com

Finding forms of green therapy should be fulfilling and affordable for you, so be sure to choose one that truly makes you feel connected to nature.Supporting the planet requires an investment in your physical and mental health first.Always remember that nature heals.