Okay, admit it. You have literally been scrolling on your phone for hours on end. You’re binge-watching shows yet again. Do you feel drained, overwhelmed by work, life, or your relationships?
Okay, this is your daily routine: Use your phone. Charge your phone. Use your phone while charging. Good grief. When he tells you to get off your phone, you simply don’t listen because, truth be told, that escape feels good in the moment.
Of course, your physical health has a tremendous effect on your mental health, and the reverse is true as well. Can anyone recommend a good movie to kinda listen to while I stare at my phone? Yikes. Why would you go out, exercise, or spend time with her in real life when checking Instagram or his status is so inviting and irresistible? Scrolling is a retreat, sweet friends. It is far from proactive.
It’s been said: When phones were tied with a wire, humans were free. Perusing or watching videos is completely effortless. You may feel as though the world is asking a lot of you these days. It is tempting to pursue thrills that are unchallenging and easy-breezy. When you are overwhelmed, her status looks more and more appealing, doesn’t it? P.S. If you ever want to call a family meeting, just turn off the Wi-Fi router and wait in the room it’s located in.
Sure, you got closer to a person far away from you, but it took you away from the person sitting right next to you. Check WhatsApp. Search email. Who followed my reel today? What did my favorite actor say on X? It may be time to give life another go. The truth is that the less you get done in your day, the more hopeless you can begin to feel.
The longer it goes on, the more anxious you are likely to get. If you ruminate, you can get suspended in that uneasiness. Occasional worrying is not the same as repeatedly thinking about a concern. You know what they say: There are two sides to every story. And then there are my screenshots.
But truly, do you think you are where you should be in your life? If not, it will affect your self-worth. But surrounding yourself with a charging iPad is not the answer, sweet friends. Long stretches of time without any productivity or creativeness will most likely worsen your depression.
What’s that? You have an app on your phone that warns you if you’re turning into an addict, but it hasn’t gone off yet? Sheesh. You may yearn for constant rest, escape, or avoidance. But do not give your body or mind what it thinks it wants. Take it slow, daddio. You do not have to rise to your full potential today. Just do one worthwhile thing.
You may just have to practice a bit of tough love on yourself. Force yourself to get out of those flannels and take a walk. Ten minutes is enough. It won’t make your stress magically disappear, but it will prevent the mental decay that scrolling all day produces.
Do you mind if I strap your phone to my forehead so I can pretend you’re looking at me when I talk? Yikes. If your loved ones express upset or concern about how much time you spend on your devices, it could be affecting you much more than you realize. Your phone can have more control over you than you intended it to. Your emotional well-being may have gotten observably worse because of your habits.
Sure, after a long, busy week, some time flipping through the World Wide Web can be just what you need. But when that device becomes a cage, it’s high time to start questioning. When you’re spending time with her, put your phone away. She should not have to compete for your attention with everyone who isn’t there. You know what they say: The year is 2060. iPhone 843 is released. The screen touches you.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.