When I unplug, I like to spend my time outside listening to music or podcasts. Sometimes I'm hiking, biking, running, skateboarding, or even walking (super underrated!). The mountains are amazing to explore but I like the charm of local neighbourhoods and Calgary's pathways. It's super convenient and really makes me appreciate the city and community we all have to share. Being outside helps me destress from looking at screens all day so I can live, play in, and appreciate my body while I'm alive and still moving! Also, sometimes I see dogs (and a few cats!) wandering around the neighbourhood and it’s always fun to say 'hello'!

May 3-9, 2021 marks Mental Health Week. As we’re roughly one year into the pandemic, adverse effects are being felt more commonly than usual during periods of isolation and uncertainty, leading to increased levels of anxiety and/or depression. Almost 38 per cent of Canadians, according to Statistics Canada, have reported that “due the COVID-19 pandemic, they experienced feelings of loneliness or isolation”1. With tighter restrictions and social distancing rules, many have faced long periods of screen time due to working from home or attending school digitally. While the impact of increased screen behaviour on mental and general health is unknown, a study done by Statistics Canada reported that “avoiding excessive screen time and engaging in exercise, particularly outdoors, were important behaviours associated with better perceived mental and general health” during the pandemic2.

In an effort to boost the importance of reducing screen time and promote healthy ways to unplug, the Antyx team is sharing how they unplug when faced with an increasingly digital environment. #AntyxUnplugged

Sources:

1 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210318/dq210318a-eng.htm

2https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2020006/article/00001-eng.htm

#AntyxUnplugged - Bryan