Techssocial | Everyone at some point in their lives seeks true happiness. People have dedicated their lives to unraveling this need, and the undoing of that work is attributed to our need for tech. Especially during stay-at-home orders, technology use has skyrocketed.
That said, mental health has subsequently deteriorated. It’s difficult to say no to an online presence when gaining a following has taken the front seat of communicating your importance, and the decision to make improvements to your life is highly psychological.
Aristotle once said in his theory of happiness that humans have the inherent need to reason. He continued that the only way to achieve true happiness is through good moral character. Psychologists and philosophers alike have created theories that promise happiness. Those theories start with distancing yourself from your gadgets and connecting with yourself. Practice these ten techniques with your devices and notice how your life improves.
- Set realistic goals
- Don’t compromise your beliefs
- Remove attachment
- Start a journal
- Remember the positives
- Practice gratitude
- Stick to a routine
- Remove distractions
- Enjoy the little things
- Know when to say no
Table of Contents
Set Realistic Goals
The journey to happiness won’t get far if you aren’t setting goals. Write down an intention for your devices when you wake up in the morning. Whether that’s a set period of time on social media, or ending the workday at five pm—these intentions make you responsible for your own happiness instead of external factors like oversaturating yourself with news stories without a positive angle.
Don’t Compromise Your Beliefs
Like Aristotle’s theory suggests, our moral compass is the foundation for satisfaction. It’s easy to get wrapped up in social obligations and question your beliefs. But, it’s important to stay grounded in your truth. Especially when it comes to teaching your kids healthy online habits.
No one has had your exact experiences. You are unique. You shouldn’t compromise your one-of-a-kind features, even for well-intentioned peers. Practice by making decisions with your gut. Oftentimes, your instinct is usually correct.
Remove Attachment
It’s common in yoga for practitioners to practice removing all attachments. This type of habit means you appreciate physical possessions and people. But, it means you can still live life to the fullest if they were ever taken. Stage your life in a way that you don’t need technology as the first connection when you wake up or the last thing you see before bed.
The goal is to find happiness within yourself without influence—especially online. It’s about separating your identity from what’s attributed to you as a person. Nothing is permanent, and you should strive to detach yourself from technology as much as possible.
Start a Journal
Disconnecting at the end of a long day can be tough. Finding another outlet for release is essential to building technology boundaries. A journal is an excellent way to collect your thoughts without logging on to your device. A journal keeps you accountable. That accountability may even transfer to other aspects of your life.
Remember the Positives
The memories we hold on to will affect our demeanor. If all your memories are of what you think you should be doing because you see others doing the same on social media, you’ll likely harbor that hurt. That will translate into each of your interactions. Practice shifting how you view the media when you are online, and disconnecting from what you experienced when you’re off.
Practice Gratitude
Positive psychology suggests that practicing gratitude can help you feel more positive emotions. Oftentimes, if we’re able to be thankful for what’s in our life, we’ll translate that into generosity for others. Instead of hating technology for its connectivity, be grateful for the advancements it’s given us in day-to-day life.
Stick to a Routine
Successful people all have one thing in common—a daily routine. Oftentimes, these routines are hyperspecific and are never deviated from. Oftentimes, our habits translate to our mood. Ayurveda suggests that creating a morning routine can set the stage for the entire day. Don’t grab for your phone the second you wake up.
Instead, practice stretching or going for a light jog in the morning. Have a coffee, enjoy the sunshine. Learn to appreciate your routine, and make it a sacred practice instead of a chore. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll forget your device.
Remove Distractions
It’s no secret that the twenty-first century has brought plenty of technological advancements. It’s likely that the oldest generations have seen the biggest impact of this, shifting from a physical world to a digital one. While the younger generation has grown up with their phone attached at their fingertips, the former has not. It’s important to recognize both sides of the spectrum to limit distractions.
Oftentimes, we’re so caught up in likes and texts that we forget to look at what’s in front of us. Start small, commit to leaving your phone in the other room during a meal, and build from there. Lead by example for your children. Do technology detoxes for elongated periods of time. You’ll see almost immediate effects from leaving the online world behind. You may even become more productive while you’re at it.
Enjoy the Little Things
You’ve heard “appreciate the little things” before. But, have you actually leveraged the saying? It’s easy for a kind act from a stranger to get brushed under the rug. Appreciate yet another one of your aunt’s photos of her dinner on your feed instead of being annoyed. If you do start to feel the negative effects online, log off, and do something small for yourself to show your appreciation.
Know When to Say No
Know your limits, and surround yourself with people who encourage them. If you’re bogged down with a project or feeling fuzzy after a day of working on the computer, take some time to yourself. Don’t feel guilty about choosing you. Build a night surrounded by healthy hobbies, instead of streaming television. Take a bath, go for a walk, listen to your favorite music. Don’t underestimate the power of “no”.
Everyone, in some capacity, pursues happiness at some point in their lives. While technology has proven to have positive effects, its adverse effects on mental health and true happiness are undeniable. It takes patience, forgiveness, and time to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. Start with one of the tips above.
Record how you feel before, during, and after implementing the strategy. True progress is gradual. Recognize each step in the right direction from the start of your journey to happiness. Looking for more? Try these actionable tips in conjunction with the Psychological Strategies to create a healthy relationship with technology.
Hemant is Digital Marketer and he has 6 + years of experience in SEO, Content marketing, Infographic etc.