Blocking internet on mobile devices improves well-being, mental health

A recent study showed that blocking the internet on your mobile device for just 2 weeks improved mental health as well as the ability to sustain attention. Interestingly, even if the participants did not fully comply with the study, they still achieved significant improvements.

Why is this important? As dialysis patients, our mental and emotional health can be taxed on a regular basis. The responsibilities that come with maintaining our diet and treatment regimen can be mentally taxing. Since the treatment itself can cause fatigue, anything we can do to improve our mental wellbeing is a big win.

Blocking the internet on our mobile devices is a simple thing to do. Just go to the settings and turn off mobile data and wifi. Knowing that this is within your control to turn on and off as you wish is - in itself - a boost to our mental wellbeing as it gives us control over some part of our lives that is significant - our mind.

What we let into our mind impacts what runs through our mind on a constant basis. BY limiting what we put in - enough of the talking heads and the miracle cures and someone trying to sell you something - we reduce the amount of chatter we hear in our minds. This is a good thing.

Additionally, when we aren't spending all of our time looking at a screen, it gives us more time to actually interact with people, to socialize in real life with family, friends, neighbors or even people we see walking by.

The three areas measured - subjective wellbeing, overall mental health - including symptoms of anxiety and depression; and attentional functioning. So give it a try. You might find yourself wanting to sit on the porch more or get outside. YOU are worth it.

Full article available here.