I do a couple things to help me “unplug” throughout the day and week. For example, each evening I make sure to have at least one hour, preferably two, alone to myself before bed. I use this time to read or watch TV usually, and it helps me decompress, relax, and switch my mind off from worrying about the day. I also usually try and find time each day to go for a walk. Even if this walk is combined with another task, such as grabbing a couple groceries, it helps me stay happy because of the air, sun, and animals, and helps me release pent-up energy so that I can better focus for the rest of the day. I have two other favourite ways to unplug. One is whenever I get the chance to go away into the woods, mountains, or badlands. The second is whenever I get the chance hang out with dogs! Both of these make me feel at peace, happy, and able to simply enjoy the moment. What are ways that you are able to unplug?

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 - Taylor