GEN Zs’ alarming time spent on their screens at times takes a toll on their mental health— but how can they take a break from it when they can barely function without it?
In a report from What’s Your Big Data, the average screen time of Gen Zs globally reaches 7 hours and 18 minutes. Meanwhile, the total population of the Philippines ranks second-highest around the world with an average of 10 hours and 27 minutes of screen usage.
Phones have other purposes aside from connecting with people; they make tasks more convenient. Why not use your attachment to devices to take your much-needed breather with these productive digital activities to divert your mind?
Disclaimer: This is not a free pass to an unhealthy phone routine nor an alternative to any physical activities, but rather maximizing ways we can improve our current state of mind. Given that most Gen Zs are techie, treat it as a cheat day to break free from responsibilities while still maintaining a meaningful pursuit.
Digital Declutter
It’s hard to throw away things that hold sentimental value for you. But what if you already have a pile of untouched stuff yet you can’t get yourself letting go of them?
When files take up most of your phone’s storage, it’s high time you declutter those old screenshots, blurry photos, and the most random shots in your gallery. Deleting these unnecessary images and your even unused applications not only frees up space but also boosts your phone’s performance—a win for both you and your device.
Apart from doing your device a favor, going through your album also allows you to relive specific moments. You might find memories worth sharing for a throwback or upload them in a drive for you to preserve.
Temporary Social Media Disconnect
Temporarily disconnecting social media presence can be done in many ways. You can either deactivate your social media accounts if you prefer not seeing any updates or news around you, mute your notifications to avoid interruptions, or simply turn off your phone to focus on productivity.
Sometimes socializing takes our soul out of us, regardless of how close these people are to us. There are times we don’t want to think of anything else; we just want to do our own thing at certain moments.
It’s okay to seek space, but make sure you don’t isolate yourself completely. Tell your family, friends, and classmates that you will need time for yourself and would appreciate it if they won’t take your temporary unavailability against you.
Virtual Diary
Diary entries no longer require a pen and paper—they can be done virtually, offering the same space to vent out your raw and vulnerable thoughts. You have the option of drafting it through your phone’s notes application or a blogging platform if you prefer an audience.
Unlike the traditional diary, digital journaling provides an added layer of security as we won’t just let anyone touch our phones—and even if you do, you can set up a password to ensure your private thoughts stay private.
At times we don’t like how our day went, writing your frustrations may release the emotional baggage you carry. Who knows? You might find it as a constant outlet for your silent battles.
Vlog yourself
When life starts to feel like we are in the middle of a filler episode, it is often boring and stagnant. But then you remember you are still your own story’s main character.
Why not record yourself singing your favorite song or doing your own makeup? It can also be a snippet of your day, you mumbling in front of the camera, or simply vlogging your mundane routine. It doesn’t have to be grand; you just have to romanticize the little things that make up your life.
This simple yet creative activity can boost your self-esteem, make you feel productive, and help you find joy in what you do and have—appreciating the beauty of life in its uneventful phase.
Online Window Shopping (or go check that cart out!)
Shopping has long been a stress reliever. Now, thanks to technology, we no longer have to visit physical shops to stroll over to find something to buy.
When life feels like we are just walking in circles, we want to change something in our repetitive routine in the best way we can physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Sometimes simple window shopping can thrill us, while placing an order online and waiting for it to come gives you something to look forward to. It could be a nice dress you can’t wait to wear at school or a new online gaming piece for your next session.
Nevertheless, we leave it to you if you wanna check that cart out (but we hope you do), if you see it as valid, and as long as you don’t overspend.
With Gen Zs constant exposure to the media, this is a reminder to still build a healthy routine out of it, and these innovative ways are just some activities you can try at home. But still, don’t forget to include a physical break that works for you.