You might have noticed that last week I was a bit MIA. No food posts, no puppy photos, no sweaty workout stories; and there was a reason for it. Last week I was out of pocket for five days hanging out with my family in Central Oregon. Sometimes I curse the fact that my phone is a bit challenged in holding battery charge, but these five days I relished in it and found it so easy to leave my phone behind, except for the few times that I remembered to bring it to snap some pictures (anyone else TERRIBLE at remembering to take photos???).
Over the last decade we have become more and more immersed in social media and our technological devices, and our people connections have dwindled. This has not gone unnoticed by those who study psychology and research how lifestyle habits effect our health. There are no double-blind studies that can be performed on things like this because it is human observation, and also subjective to human emotion. However, while maybe not the MOST scientific, these strong correlations have been found:
More time on social media outlets has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
People with strong family ties tend to have better blood pressure and live longer.
The "disease" of loneliness is on the rise (this has been well noted in elderly populations, and is now starting to increase in younger generations) and certain studies correlate shorter life spans with constant feelings of loneliness.
In several studies where tribes of people and their lifestyles were observed, the people self reported less stress and greater feelings of contentment than that of a person in the "average American household."
In a study where people were required to use their electronic devices less (less than 3 hours a day) for 30 days, 75% of participants reported less stress and anxiety post study.
Spending time with loved ones is known to reduce the release rate of the hormone cortisol, as well as boost the immune system and endorphin release.
In a survey where people were asked to define themselves as "heavy" vs. "light" social media users, the people who defined themselves as light users also largely self reported higher levels of happiness and success.
I could continue but I think you get my point. Being present with those around you is beneficial not just on a mental level, but also physical. There is a reason why you give a sigh of relief when your phone doesn't get service on vacation, or how even after having a hard conversation with a loved one that you feel purposeful and maybe even satisfied. Human connection is part of our health and well-being and it is an area that is being grossly neglected by many.
I'm not saying that all social media is bad and that it should never be used again. I love using social media to see what my extended family is up to, or even to get the word out about these posts. The use of our technological devices certainly plays a role in our culture today and that cannot be ignored, but it should never come at the cost of connecting with those around us. Make eye contact or offer a smile to a stranger; it might make a difference in their day. Walk around with your head up and not buried in your phone (which is also terrible for your posture btw). At meals, home or in public, put your phone on silent (OR OFF!) and AWAY and engage with those at your table.
There is so much more that I could say, but instead, I'm just going to post some pictures of my vacation, which filled my cup more than 1 million likes on Instagram ever could.
