originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:34 PM

Have a great night guys and take care!

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:33 PM

Night night!

Thanks for a good chat everyone!

 

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:31 PM

***insert GIF that represents inability to insert GIFs***

We made it guys. Another ripper Getting Real Session. I hope you got something out of it. I certainly learnt a lot that I'll be taking with me beyond tonight, which will hopefully help me enjoy tech more and not let it take over.
Take it easy guys, and I'll catch you around the forums.

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:10 PM

I am also going to head off - goodnight everyone thanks for the chat! 🙂

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:02 PM

What are some strategies that may help toward developing a more healthy relationship with technology and minimising some of its negative aspects?

 

I probably need to work on boundaries more but at the moment I have limited the notifications I receive a lot so there aren't constant sounds and signs on my phone tempting me to check it.

 

I'm also thinking of installing a Blue Light minimising app to help limit my exposure to blue light (which disrupts our natural circadian rhythm) before I go to sleep. 

 

I get night terrors and so working on proper sleep hygiene at least 2 hrs before bed is my focus and limiting tech before bed is going to be a big part of that. Here's hoping it helps 🙂

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:06 PM

@StarLord limiting notifications is a good one!

Another thing I just thought of is the way that your apps are arranged on your phone - put the things that you want to do everyday (Eg mindfulness, reminders, podcasts, whatever it might be) on the first page and put the things that you find yourself mindlessly clicking on faaar away from the first page and in some random folder 😄

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:05 PM

one strategy I've started trying to use Is scheduling my technology time e.g. I know that I'll be on RO for the GR's most Monday nights.

Having said that, my eyes are starting to do their blurry thing, so I think it's time for me to log off. Good night, everyone!

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:07 PM

@letitgo goodnight! 🙂 Definitely feeling the blurry thing too now haha

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:01 PM

6) What are some strategies that may help toward developing a more healthy relationship with technology and minimising some of its negative aspects?

- keeping your phone out of your room at night so you don't get distracted
installing a 'checker tab' on your phone which tells you how many times you check your phone during the way (making you more aware of it)
- putting your phone in a zipped bag (something that i've found helps me - keeps it out of my pocket!!)

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:56 PM

Hmm time for another Question i reckon! 

 

originally posted on 21-08-2017 9:04 PM

5) How do you know when there's too much tech in your life?
@Ben-RO yes! I think I have become too dependent on just googling things! Whenever I am watching a movie and see a familiar actor I have to google them rather than think about where they could be from....I don't have much patients for thinking/the unknown. A good sign for me is if I am able to go without tech for some time and feel okay about it 🙂

6) What are some strategies that may help toward developing a more healthy relationship with technology and minimising some of its negative aspects?
Trying to start reading more and journalling with a pen as much as possible - rather than only watching Netflix as my 'reward' for the evening.

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:52 PM

yes i agree @StarLord. There has been a huge increase in dependency on technology. 

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:38 PM

How do you know when there's too much tech in your life?

a sign that i definitely look out for is when i needlessly check my phone....like i'll open facebook, put it down, and open it again about 30 seconds later. I also know when there's too much when i instinctively check it at a spare moment, such as waiting for a bus, or when i freak out if i can't find my phone where i last left it.

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:16 PM

How can the use of technology assist mental health (e.g. apps, support networks, information...)?
- Relaxation, meditation or mindfulness tracks/apps/etc
- Access to online help services
- Able to research how to get help
- Able to get into contact with someone when you need to
- Can be a good first step/additional support for people who find it difficult to reach out for help in person or aren't able to do so as often as needed

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:21 PM

How can the use of technology assist mental health (e.g. apps, support networks, information...)?

 

Personally I've used tech to find services, learn about my issues, read other people's stories, etc.

 

But how I use tech day-to-day for my mental health is around relaxation sounds that help me sleep and habit tracking apps that help me maintain healthy habits.

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:01 PM

What are some of the positives of technology? How do the positive aspects of technology help you with your overall health?
- It helps me explore things that I find interesting/enjoyable/emotional - music, movies, tv shows, random videos, educational things.
- It helps me to catch up with friends and stay in contact with people
- Platforms to share photos which I enjoy taking
- Can be used to help stay organised

originally posted on 21-08-2017 8:06 PM

@Ben-RO what a list! I had to google Strava and it looks really interesting. Next month when I start my new job (closer to home + less screen time = yippee!) I'm going to be riding 15min to work so maybe I'll use Strava too!

@May_ I love to use tech to stay organised too. I'm addicted to folders...

@letitgo welcome 🙂 never beat yourself up about Netflix tho 😉

and @Sarah7714 I love that you use tech for family time!

originally posted on 21-08-2017 7:53 PM

What do you primarily use technology for? (for example: social media, talking to friends, games, etc. etc.)

1. Work! We have a computer system to run through sales so that accounts for a lot
2. Taking notes/revision/general uni shenanigans
3. Social media (Facebook mainly)
4. Binge watching true crime documentaries on Netflix c:

originally posted on 21-08-2017 7:50 PM

I mainly just use technology for social media, uni work and netflix, so between all three I'm basically on my laptop all day unfortunately

originally posted on 21-08-2017 7:42 PM

Good thanks @Ben-RO! How are you? 🙂

originally posted on 21-08-2017 7:43 PM

Goood! Looking forward to this topic, as you may have noticed this is something i have an issue with!