Here’s how you can use your smartphone for better mental health

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of having a panic or anxiety attack, one of the first things a health care professional or even a well-wisher would stay away from your mobile phones. Yes, we get it, the electromagnetic vibrations and the unnecessary screen time isn’t doing us any favours. But technology was made to make our lives better. So our smartphones couldn’t be so bad, to begin with. Here are three ways you can actually use your phone to improve your mental health.



To get better sleep

Researchers from Harward note that sleep and mental health are closely connected and a disturbance in one’s sleep pattern is experienced if exposed to blue light before sleeping. But apps like Bedtime and NightShift can limit those stimulating blue light waves and can help you monitor your sleep and adopt a better sleeping routine.



To help you meditate

Meditation is well-known for alleviating anxiety, depression and for producing an overall feeling of wellbeing. Meditation apps like Calm, Headspace, and Breathe are great for helping you establish a regular meditation routine and de-stress. These apps offer short, guided meditations that can be done in as little as 10 minutes, so you can do them anywhere, no matter how busy you are.



Make healthier choices

You can make a log of your diet with apps like HealthifyMe and MyFitnessPal. Not only do you have a record of what you ate, but also a breakdown of each food item’s nutritional value – they’re perfect if you like to count your macros. That’s not all, the apps also suggest you healthier alternatives that will help you reach your fitness goal.