ADANTA - Disconnecting can be Good for Your Mental Health By Tracie R . Horton , CEO / Executive Director The Adanta Group unplug
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a national movement to raise awareness about mental health and expand efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding it . As we celebrate this May , the Adanta Group would like to encourage you to “ disconnect for better mental health .”
Every day brings a constant wave of news and social media updates . We live in an instant technology driven world , and it is normal to stay connected through smartphones and social media , but it becomes a problem when technology begins to affect our mental , social and emotional health . Constantly being plugged in to current events is stressful and can generate feelings of hopelessness , negativity and even jealousy .
Thirty one percent ( 31 %) of U . S . adults now report being online “ almost constantly ” while overall 85 % of Americans say they go online daily . Studies show the average internet user spends nearly 6 hours and 58 minutes per day on screens connected to the internet with about 2.5 hours dedicated specifically to social media ; 96 times a day is the average for Americans to check their smartphones .
Making the Choice to Disconnect .
Taking a break from technology aka “ doing a digital detox ” can have some positive effects on your mood and wellbeing . A digital detox refers to taking a break from using electronic devices or certain media for a period of time , from a
34 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky May 2023