They’re everywhere and there seems to be one for every imaginable need. We use them every day to communicate, entertain, track health stats and organise our lives.
But with all the pings, buzzes and pop-ups prompting us to click, like and subscribe, it’s not surprising that tech can feel a bit *overwhelming*, at times.
Taking a digital detox is one popular way of reducing the stress of this, but is there maybe a way to utilise the best of technology in support of our mental health?
Maybe it’s not about unplugging completely, but connecting with the right things.
I’ve spent the last few months testing out a range of free apps, websites and mailing lists that aim to support mental health and wellbeing. Some focus on helping us get a handle on where we’re at, while others prompt us to build in small daily actions for positive change.
Here’s a list of the resources that stood out for me, and why I’d recommend them to anyone looking to support their mental wellbeing:
Understanding Where You’re At
Before we can take steps to improve our wellbeing, it can help to understand how we’re really doing. These tools can help you check in with yourself –
How We Feel (app) – a journal for your wellbeing
I love the colourful, interactive check-in which helps you to define the exact emotion/state you’re experiencing (with the added option of mapping physical sensations too). With prompts to journal three times a day, it’s helped me take time to consider and pinpoint exactly how I’m feeling.
My Possible Self (app) – daily check-in with thinking time & lifestyle questionnaire
This app reads a bit like a gentle to-do list of check-ins and it suggests tools to address what you’re feeling. I particularly like the ‘thinking time’ tool – a dedicated block of time each day to think through concerns and worries.
Your Mind Plan (website) – quick quiz and an action plan
A part of the NHS’s Every Mind Matters campaign, this quiz helps you to zone in on how you’ve been feeling the last 2 weeks and suggests tools to help you feel better. I like that it’s just 5 questions, and in contrast to the apps above is something you can do every few weeks or so to check in and get more general advice.
Building Healthy Habits
Once we’ve gained a sense of how we’re doing, the next step is building healthy habits that support our wellbeing. These resources can help make small, positive changes stick –
Finch (app) – like a Tamagotchi for self-care!
This is the app that’s really stuck with me and become a part of my daily routine. It’s a playful and fun way of ticking off small, daily self-care habits – from getting out of bed to replying to messages from friends. The more you look after yourself, the more your little ‘birb’ grows and travels the world. If you’re someone who’s motivated by gamified, rewards-based tools, you might just love this.
10 Days of Happiness (website) – a programme of prompts to explore wellbeing
Guided by character Abi, a happiness coach, you get 10 days of prompts (by text or email, at a time of your choice), each relating to a different ‘key’ of wellbeing & positive psychology. Each day you explore a new concept – gratitude, self-care, kindness – and pick your own activity to complete for that day. It’s a light, time-based way to try out a bunch of new things in just 10 days.
Healthy Mondays (newsletter) – a gentle nudge at the start of the week, straight into your inbox
I’ve loved seeing this pop up each Monday, with its focus on building one new healthy habit each week. If newsletters are your thing, it’s a great way to learn a bit about something science-y (brain health, superfoods, gardening) and sets you an achievable goal for the week. A really nice way of looking at the week ahead in building in healthy habits and more fun!
Connection & Inspiration
Sometimes what we need most is a little inspiration or a sense of connection with others. These tools can help spark new ideas, lift your mood or remind you that you’re not alone –
3-2-1 Thursdays (newsletter) – a weekly, condensed dose of inspiration
Every Thursday, James Clear (author of bestseller Atomic Habits) sends 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week. I often flag it in my inbox then come back to (with a cup of tea) when I have time to digest it. Every week is different, but it always gives me something to think about!
MindShift – Anxiety Relief (app) – CBT tool & community forum with peer-support
This app has a range of tools to help manage anxiety based on CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) techniques, but it’s actually the ‘community forum’ for peer-support that I’ve found most useful. It’s a space to post or read others’ thoughts, experiences or concerns – and feel that you’re not alone in your experiences.
1 Second Everyday (app) – capturing daily moments
I’ve used this app for the last 4 years – I upload just one second of film each day, and by the end of the month/year I have a short journal of ‘moments’ to look back on. It’s meant that every day I’m looking out for something that brings me joy/surprise/wonder, or sometimes it’s just something that represents what the day meant for me (doesn’t always have to be positive). I’d recommend it to bring some mindfulness into your everyday and the bonus is you’re building a time-capsule for future you to look back on and be proud of how far you’ve come.
One thing I’ve learnt from trying out these various digital tools is that small, daily habits can have a big, cumulative impact. On the days when I’ve had a foggy brain and a to-do list as long as my arm, actions like sending my Finch birb off on an adventure by doing some stretches (yes, really!) and taking some time out to name the exact emotion I’m feeling, have helped to create a little extra space and lightness in the day.
I encourage you to try just one of these tools or resources for the next week and see what impact it has on your wellbeing. Like me, you might need to try a few before you find the one(s) right for you – but I hope this list helps you start on that journey towards healthier, happier days.
Written by 6ft From The Spotlight Wellbeing Facilitator, Carys Mol.
