As consumer-focused technology continues to expand into all aspects of our daily lives, it may require a leap of faith to fully embrace it. But since there is no putting the genie back in the bottle, why not take a moment to consider some of the positive examples of modern technology that can actually improve our health and wellbeing.
Wellness Smartphone Apps
Never have we been more focused on our mental health, and for good reason. With rates of anxiety and depression on the rise, new coping tools provided by handy smartphone apps are available right when we need them most. The range of wellness apps covers all our mental health needs:
- Sleep inducing apps: Calm; SleepScore; Pillow
- Guided meditation apps: Headspace; Simply Being; Buddhify
- Mindfulness apps: Aura; Mindfulness Daily
- Deep breathing apps: Breathe+; Breathing Zone
- Mental health exercise apps: Moodfit; Happify
- Moods-feelings tracker apps: eMoods; MoodTools; Worry Watch
- Cognitive behavioral therapy activity apps: MoodMission; Sanvello
- Inspirational apps: ThinkUp; I Am; Shine
Having so many mental wellness tools available at the touch of a smartphone or tablet can go a long way toward keeping our headspace healthy and happy. Better yet, many of the apps are available free of charge or for a nominal fee.
Tele-Health Technology
The emergence of tele-health technology during the pandemic has changed the medical landscape for good. People can now routinely access medical and mental health services from the comfort of their living rooms. While these digital sessions aren’t appropriate for every health need, the convenience and privacy they provide encourages folks who might otherwise not seek out care to do so. Instead of not being bothered to go see a doctor or psychotherapist, knowing they don’t have to waste gas, or hassle traffic and parking may be just the motivation they need to obtain timely care.
Web Conferencing Platforms
Video conferencing technologies are another recent innovation that won’t be going away anytime soon. Now that most of us are comfortable participating in Zoom, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime meetings, we will continue to discover new ways to utilize these applications. Social connection is a critical aspect for maintaining both mental and physical wellness, and these video platforms have proven themselves to be invaluable. Whether we use these conferencing platforms for business meetings, cooking classes, or virtual family gatherings, they are here to stay.
Digital Fitness Apps
Nowhere is consumer technology booming more than in the fitness tech space. Groundbreaking technologies turned a simple spin bike into a virtual experience with Peloton. Apple Fitness+ is powered by the Apple watch, offering yoga, HIIT, and strength workouts, heart rate monitoring, and calorie counts. And of course there is Fitbit, a wearable fitness monitor that keeps track of steps, heart rate, and sleep quality. This trend is continuing to evolve, with new products like smart dumbbells, desk elliptical machines, and the Hydrow Rower—all syncing up to fitness apps.
So there you have it, a comprehensive range of technological tools and gadgets that are designed to improve both our physical health and mental wellbeing. Why not embrace these amazing innovations that can have such a positive impact on our quality of life.
