Geeky wellbeing favourites August 2023
Talking tech, plus the usual mind–body science highlights
My two favourite things about being on a beach holiday are swimming in the sea and doing nothing but read, read, read. For me, this is true rest, a true pause (so much so, that I barely did any yoga practice, oops!).
Did I disconnect from my phone? No. Is this a bad thing? Probably not.
I did a digital detox 2 years ago. The intention was to have 1 week completely off social media, and minimise other digital distractions. I started it on a Monday. On the Tuesday evening, after my class, I had a barrage of Whatsapp messages in my Greek friends’ chat. Apparently, Athens was on fire, and one of them was near where my family and many friends live. Turns out that social media is useful for getting news updates too.
Ok I know this is an extreme example, but it has made me hesitate switching off completely.
Is technology (and social media) a huge distraction? Yes. Is it distracting from actual contact? Sometimes (I noticed it first-hand on this holiday). Is it all bad? It depends – the answer is not binary.
Still, probably always a good idea to put down the phone for a moment, close your eyes and take a breath. Especially if, like me, you end up in research rabbit holes!
Dreaming of a spring yoga retreat? My lovely friend Chiara is running a retreat in Goa in March 2024!
Some interesting things on mental health and tech
Articles
Although there is quite a bit of research suggesting the benefits of an app-based delivery method for mindfulness (and yoga, and breathing), this article argues that using your phone for this is a recipe for distraction. Still, you could just using the ‘Do not disturb’ function of your phone while you practice (I always do, nothing worse than a Whatsapp conversation spoiling your yoga nidra).
Another slightly critical view of mindfulness apps and the benefits they can have on mental health, although it is worth pointing out that the focus here is mental illness rather than general mental wellbeing.
I’d be really interested to see how effective such apps are for other health challenges linked to stress, eg gut problems, as described in this article.
Some primary research
Just out, this study found that a mindfulness app is effective at increasing compassion for self and others. The study evaluated two app-based interventions, a mindfulness one (ie a solitary practice) and what they term ‘affect dyad’ (ie a practice with two participants who speak and listen).
And, oh, the irony, a yoga nidra
Not quite delivered by an app though – I’ve recorded a new yoga nidra inspired by gratitude practices from positive psychology, and posted it on my blog.
Don’t forget to turn on “Do not disturb”! And let me know what you think.
More mind–body science highlights
Yoga as an accessible option in MS
This small (8 participants) qualitative study explored yoga for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants felt that yoga is a versatile practice that can be personalised to their particular needs and offered them the opportunity to engage in a form of physical activity despite their mobility limitations, making them feel better overall.
Yoga for better sleep in breast cancer
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the available data on the effects of yoga on sleep quality among patients with breast cancer. Yoga with a focus on meditation was better at supporting better sleep in this population than normal care, although they found no effect for yoga that focuses on asana and pranayama. Practicing 2–3 times a week, and for more than 6 weeks, was also more effective than practicing less; however, the effects were not long-lasting (which means that you would need to keep practicing). As usual, the studies were of variable quality and quite different to each other.
Some mind–tech stuff from the blog
Is digital the path to enlightenment? Do meditation apps work at improving our wellbeing?
Yoga and mHealth – the perfect recipe for empowerment? Digital mind–body programmes may be a really powerful way to help increase how engaged with are with our health.
Mindfulness is not just for stress. Going back to my questions about the effects of meditation apps and other aspects of our health, here’s some evidence that they can help to reduce inflammation too.
Until next month!