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How Technology Can Help Reduce Anxiety

Stress less with these gadgets

By Paisley HansenPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Living in the Age of Information is nothing short of exciting. A lot has changed ever since the dawn of the internet, a mere 25 years ago. New technologies such as smartphones and video games have been improving rapidly. The rise of social media has had a huge impact on everyday life and communication. Many people blame social media for causing or contributing to mental health issues, such as anxiety. Although there are naysayers, technology can be beneficial when people know where to look and what to use. We have more information and sources for mental health than ever before, and more sources are being created everyday. There are a plethora of smartphone apps, websites, and tech gadgets that can be used to reduce anxiety.

Mood Tracking Apps

Keeping note of mood changes over a long period of time can help you better understand your emotional states and prepare for, and possibly prevent, slumps. A recent study found that mood tracking helps users manage their mental illnesses themselves by supporting individual reflection. This can be especially beneficial for those with anxiety because they can keep track of their triggers or notice if their anxiety is leading to episodes of depression. However, when it comes to starting a mood diary, many people do not know where to start. Mood tracker apps like Pacifica, Moodpath, or MoodTrack Social Diary are a quick and easy way to do this.

Therapy Chat Bots

AI chat bots have been designed to simulate human communication. Some are used for customer service on business websites. Some are used just for entertainment. But some have been created to help manage mental health. There are even free bots available through Wysa. A study showed that frequent chatting with Woebot reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Chat bots are not yet a full replacement for actual licensed psychologists, but they can supplement techniques used in therapy. Therapy chat bots may even help people seek treatment sooner and lead to a more accurate diagnosis. Another huge upside to chat bots is that they are available 24/7. If a patient really needs to talk to someone, but a human therapist is not available, chat bots can be a convenient resource. Patients who may already feel self-self-conscious will not feel bad about burdening a robot like they might with a human.

Avoid Triggers

For some people, the thought of interacting with strangers can trigger anxiety. Hearing the doorbell ring unexpectedly can cause alarm. Installing a doorbell camera can prevent this because you will always know who is at your door. Another common anxiety trigger is physical health problems. Using an app like My Fitness Pal to track eating habits, daily nutrients, and exercise may prevent one’s overall health from slipping.

Guided Meditation YouTube Videos

YouTube is free for anyone with internet access to use. It is an excellent source for how-to videos, and that includes meditation. YouTube has an abundance of guided meditation videos that were made specifically to help reduce anxiety. Meditation is an ancient practice, but today's scientists have found that meditation actually does shift energy from the part of the brain that deals with stress to the part of the brain that deals with calmness. Using YouTube videos can be a quick and easy way to learn how to meditate and reduce anxiety.

There are many technologies that can contribute to reducing and managing anxiety. Smartphone apps and YouTube videos are simple and readily available for anyone to use. Many innovative gadgets and the internet are convenient for everyday life, so we might as well use them to our advantage.

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About the Creator

Paisley Hansen

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

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