Mental Health - Making the Most of your time Online

Lately, in the media, there have been a lot of stories about the dangers of spending too much time online. The damaging impact all that screen time can have on your eyesight and concertation span and the negative mental health aspects of doom scrolling are just two examples. But wait … not all time spent online is unhealthy and if you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile, it's better you find something constructive to do whilst you are there! So, with that in mind, here are some of our favourite ways to get some positive feedback and keep your brain in shape whilst online.

Sudoku

One of the best-known brain challenges is Sudoku, a number-based game that utilises a grid and requires you to place numbers in boxes based on previous placements. It is very good for your short-term memory and it also comes with varying levels of difficulty, so you can progress from a beginner through to an expert, by which point your memory skills will be acute!

You can find all the rules and start playing at sites like this one - https://www.websudoku.com/. There are also a few forums where you can swap strategies and puzzles so it has a social element too.

Brain Training Websites

Believe it or not, there are actually a few websites out there that are dedicated to providing a range of brain training exercises that you can use two or three times per day to build stronger neural networks and improve your problem-solving skills. Examples are Happy Neuron, where activities are divided into brain areas – memory, attention, language, visual/spatial and executive functions – with personalised plans on which you can chart progress. Or if you prefer a good brainteaser, you can pick up lots of good puzzles on the Braingle website.

 

Down-Time Games

We’re calling these downtime games because they are the ones that provide a bit of escape without having to do too much thinking. These are the Candy Crush Saga’s of our online world where bright lights, pretty colours and playful noises help you forget about the stresses and strains of day-to-day life for a few minutes each day.

Whilst these games are primarily designed for having some fun, they can also be lucrative if you play the right ones and have the know-how. Online casino games can be a great way to make some money on the side when you're sat at home after work, there are also a wide range of options available, so there's something for everyone. Gambling games can be a great way to spend your downtime, they're not just about the money.

Online games can be beneficial for your well-being if enjoyed sensibly and for short periods. There are plenty of free versions on Facebook and in the app store, and you can pick up bonuses like these to play without spending your own money, so it doesn’t have to cost.

Using Social Platforms

For all the negative press that Twitter and Facebook get, one of the greatest facets of the online world is the social networks that it supports. Away from the trolling and bullying, you see on those mainstream platforms, there are many active forums in which the community is hugely supportive of its members. Places like the Mental Health Forum and the Money Saving Expert Forum are just two examples of places online where like-minded people support each other and give advice to those facing the same issues.

In short, forums and other social networks are a great place to find solace and can really help boost your mental health when you are feeling down.

 

Language Learning

Most of us might have given up learning a language when we left school (or before!) but don’t write it off as we get older. It can be very satisfying and healthy for the mind too. Apps like Duolingo make learning more fun because they break it down into small chunks with daily tasks and rewards for completing levels. They are repetitive, but ultimately you will find yourself learning pretty quickly and whether it is to train your brain or to prepare for a trip abroad, it’s a fun way to get in shape with a new language.

Duolingo is free, to begin with, and you can pay for more advanced levels and extra features.

Summary

To conclude then, not all time spent online should be time wasted! There are plenty of opportunities to train your brain, find like-minded people to share with, or just take time out from your busy day with relaxing and uplifting games and activities. So have a think and next time you pick up your phone, try one of these sites or apps to keep your mind nimble and toned and your state of mind positive and stable!