How Using My Phone Decreases My Anxiety

I know there are a lot of podcasts, articles, YouTube videos, and the like that tell us to put our phones away, and for good reason. If we're always looking down at our phone, we're not being present, not engaging as much with actual people, and so on. I've also heard things like, "if we don't put our phones away before bed, we won't sleep as well"; "if we check our phones first thing in the morning, we're off to a bad start." Well I'm here to tell you as someone with an anxiety disorder, that that is just poppycock.

Having a cell phone has been a tremendous aid to fight my anxiety. Before bed, if I've had a bad day or have racing thoughts, I open my YouTube app and watch videos that make me happy, laugh, or preferably both. Watching these videos helps me get out of my head and instead focus on what's happening on the screen, similar to the 5 senses trick I mentioned here. If I'm watching someone's skincare routine that nobody asked for, I'll follow each step, memorize the products s/he uses, and read the comments for people's thoughts. I'll watch travel vlogs in another language so I'm forced to read the subtitles and engage more intently, which helps even more with getting out of my head. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I'll open up the notes app on my iPhone and type away every single thought and feeling I'm experiencing that moment. I need to get those thoughts out of my head and physically see them so I can sort through them more logically; it's like seeing them typed out or written helps me rationalize and think, "oh, ok, I see now that that's irrational to think that."

I know as a woman, having a cell phone helps me feel much more at ease knowing I can call the police at any moment if needed. If I'm walking around by myself, day or night, having my phone with me relaxes me knowing I have a lifeline in case some stranger tries to attack me, or if someone else needs help and needs an ambulance. I've seen a dozen or so videos with people (mostly men) who advocate for leaving your phone at home once in awhile and go about your day; I, as a woman (not every woman may feel this way, of course), do not feel comfortable doing this. What if some man is following me while I'm on a nature walk and I need to call the police? What if my car dies on the side of the road and I have no way to call AAA? What if I see an accident on the road that's just happened and I need to call an ambulance so the people involved get help ASAP? These are anxious thoughts, I know, but I just feel better having my phone on hand for these types of reasons. Who knows, my call for an ambulance could save a life.

When I wake up in the morning, I check my Instagram for motivation (after hopefully meditating for at least 2 measly minutes; not gonna argue against that beneficial morning habit). I've curated my account so the majority of the accounts I'm following are encouraging, uplifting, and empowering. As I scroll through my feed, I'm met with quotes that make me feel confident as an ambitious woman; photos of female entrepeneurs who inspire me to push myself in my career pursuits; and...the latest celebrity gossip (I need some trash; it makes me laugh). I view social media more positively, since I know that behind every photo, IG TV episode, and story—that there is a human being on the other side who has just as many, or more, problems as I do. I keep focused on the inspirational accounts I follow, and for me, it has proved more helpful than harmful—as opposed to what most YouTubers and podcasters say about using your phone first thing in the morning.

If I'm having an anxiety or panic attack, having my phone to call a loved one to talk through it is a savior. I can't tell you how many times I've called my parents at any time—day or night—crying my eyes out telling them I just needed to talk to someone. Sometimes just being on the phone with someone you love when you're in that state is what you need to calm down and be present; if I can't contact someone, the feeling of dread feels even more consuming. My phone reminds me that, more than likely, I can call a friend or family member who can help me get through a mental crisis. I don't have to go through it alone.

Now this post certainly isn't an attack on those who preach for less phone use especially before bed and upon waking, this is just my personal experience on how phone usage helps rather than raises my anxiety (if using your phone less is beneficial to you, that's great! Keep doing what's best for you). If we use social media wisely, we can use it to our advantage; always remind yourself that posts from influencers and celebrities are not always what they seem, and they are just as human as you and me. We all have pain, we all suffer—but we also can experience great joy. Connect on social media through joy, not jealousy or self-pity; follow accounts that inspire you to be the best version of yourself, not wish you were that person in the photo.

I hope this article shed some light on a different opinion on phone usage. It's not all bad, as long as we use it wisely.