HELP! My eyes are glued to my phone screen
Ouch that's gotta hurt! The reality is we are glued to our phone screens. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, social media, work, and everything and anything now online it's impossible to live without our smartphones. But it's not just our phones, it's our tablets, computers, laptops and TV screens too. The trouble is all this screen time can be addictive. It can disrupt our sleep patterns and strain our eyes. So it's important to take a break from this and here are a few suggestions I’d recommend:
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Get outside - Go out for a walk, jog, or a stroll and just take in what you see. Use all your senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, touch to explore. Head to a beauty spot like a viewpoint on a hill or a park. Being with nature around plants and animals can feel amazing.
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Catch up with a close one - This could be a family member, friend, work colleague. Go for a coffee or drink somewhere and relax and chat face to face. Avoid checking your phone too much and just pay them your full attention. Spending time together can help you feel more refreshed.
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Read a book - Finding a great book can be perfect for that escape. Go for an interesting read like a nonfiction novel, interesting facts, history or travel book, or self help book. Find somewhere quiet and relaxing so you can take in what you read. Go somewhere like a park, garden, or a coffee shop. A place where there are little to no distractions. I believe reading is a great tool to improve your knowledge and understanding because when you find a great book you can really sink into it and connect with the author as if you are having a conversation. When you're really into a book it can make you feel more present and gives you a good focus. Also, I'd consider audio books if you would prefer to listen than read. Audio books are great for travel and listening during your day to day tasks.
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Swimming - Taking your phone in a swimming pool or the sea is always a great risk. Swimming is relaxing and pretty much a full body workout. I’m not saying you have to do multiple lengths, you can just relax in the water and feel the calming sensation. Head to beach if its a hot day or just your local leisure centre. Maybe even go with other people or join a class or lesson.
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Join a local class - Anything that might interest you like yoga, dance, workout, hobbies, community groups. This gives you the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. Or even learn how to play a new instrument! Being part of the community can help to also tackle loneliness and isolation. Being with others who have a similar interest as you can build a great bond, and meeting new people can lead to great things!
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Drive - Why not take the car out for a drive and go somewhere you haven't been before or in a long time. Go on an adventure and make new discoveries. Do something you'd enjoy such as a camping trip or head to a new location.
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Have a think about what you really need your phone for. Delete any apps you never use, disable the unnecessary notifications, clear any old photos and messages, and log out of social media when you're not using it.
Being happy at home
Your home environment can play a big role in your mental health. Everything from where you live, who you live with, costs, layout, cleanliness, maintenance, and much more! Home is where the heart is right?
1. Cleaning - This can feel like a frustrating chore but it's necessary. Living in a clean and tidy environment can have a positive impact on how you feel at home. It really depends how you live, who with, and the size of your home. Whether you live alone or with others - come up with a cleaning rota, let's say maybe an hour twice a week to have a deep clean and clear. Play some music in the background to lift your mood and to keep you going. Living in a clean and tidy environment can be such a mood booster and so much better for our health.
2. Layout - I believe everything should have its place. Layout your environment to look like a home you'd like to show off to guests. Put away anything that doesn't need to be out and turn it into a neat, tidy, and organised environment. House plants, scented candles, canvases and pictures of amazing memories on the wall, natural light and a fresh breeze can create positivity. Think of yourself as a guest in your own home. How would you feel when you walk in? Most importantly - be you. Design your home the way you feel is right for you.
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3. Pets - Having a pet such as a cat or dog can make your home a much better place. Building that bond and love with a pet is something amazing to come home to. Had a tough day at work? They'll be there when you get home. Having a quiet day or evening in? They’ll be beside us or nearby. They become part of the family and the attachment we build with them is so strong. They are a great addition and company for many people. Pets can help reduce the feeling of loneliness for many people too.
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4. Location - If you are able to choose where you live or looking for a new home then location plays a big role. Consider all aspects like: Is it a safe area? How close is it to work/schools? Is it a noisy area? How near to shops/pubs/the high street do I need to be?. It really depends on what you are looking for in terms of a new home. Where do you see yourself being and why? We all have our preferences depending on our lifestyles. Settle for what you believe would make you happy in the long run.
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5. Money - Bills as we well know play a big cost in our lives. We have to pay them in order to stay in our homes. And this can become a stressful handle to hold. Although we can't avoid them, there are ways of keeping track to ensure we are making payments on time. Such as keeping a diary and setting reminders, setting up direct debits and standing orders, and working out what is coming in and going out of our bank accounts.
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In terms of saving money, consider finding time to do some research by looking at websites such as Money Saving Expert and Which. Learn how to use less water and energy, get better broadband and phone deals, save on maintenance costs, and food bills! TV shows such as the BBC’s Eat Well For Less can give you an idea on how to feed the household for a lot less. Just think how much more positive you’ll feel when you have a plan in place to save money! Less stress and worry, and a more organised mindset.
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6. Background Music - Whether you are cooking, cleaning, reading, working or just around the house, playing some music in the background is a great way to feel relaxed and improves concentration and task performance. It's the reason so many public places such as cafes, bars, museums etc play it in the background. It makes us feel more comfortable and helps relieve stress. Pick some music or background noise that you enjoy and feel positive listening too. It really depends on the person you are and your preferences.
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7. Scent - Everyone wants to live in a home that smells nice. And that's pretty achievable. Whilst at home, try to keep your windows open often to let in a fresh breeze (even if its cold out) That way it’ll help to flush out any stale smells that can get trapped. Scented candles, incense sticks, using sprays, and plug in air fresheners around the home help to eliminate unwanted odours. Empty the bins often, don't leave dirty clothes or dishes around, wash your bed sheets often and look at deep cleaning your environment on a regular basis.
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