How women can use technology to empower their mental health and happiness

Technology is not just about convenience; it’s a potent tool for nurturing our mental health and happiness.

I’m 36 years old, and I spent most of my life feeling like I wasn’t happy enough. To my surprise, it didn’t matter what milestones I achieved throughout my life – completing my degree, securing my dream job, finding love, getting married. I accomplished these goals, yet happiness remained elusive.

This search has eventually led me to found my first company, Happy Things. Based on the science of positive psychology, Happy Things is trying to change the paradigm that happiness is a goal to be achieved.

With the Happy Things app, we’re trying to teach users that happiness is a skill, learned and honed through simple, daily habits.

In this journey of building Happy Things, me and my team – we’re all women, by the way – went through it all: pregnancies, fertility treatments, and of course, “just” dealing with our periods.

During that time, something clicked. As women, life events, as well as physical, biological and hormonal changes affect our mental health. So how come most mental health solutions available out there don’t address our unique needs and experience? 

As women, we should be taking into account all the different components that make up who we are. While there is a lot of information out there, we still have to do most of the work ourselves; learn more about the connection between our bodies and our mental health, develop healthy habits that work for us; empower ourselves to change the happiness paradigm. Technology can help us do that.

Mind-body connection: menstrual cycles and mental wellness

One area where technology is making remarkable strides is in helping women understand and embrace the changes that come with their menstrual cycles.

Menstrual cycle tracking apps, for example, offer a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between a woman’s body and her mental well-being. These apps empower women to record physical and emotional changes throughout their cycle.

Tracking enables women to make informed self-care decisions. During the menstrual phase, rest and self-compassion can alleviate mood swings, while the ovulatory phase, characterised by high energy, is ideal for physical activities.

Aligning routines with these insights fosters harmony between body and mind, enhancing mental wellbeing. In a hectic world, tracking apps help women reconnect with their bodies, prioritise self-care, and nurture their mental health. 

The habit loop: how tech can help us create better habits

At the core of wellness and happiness lies the formation of positive habits. Habits are the small, consistent actions we take daily that shape our lives. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, maintaining a balanced diet, or getting regular exercise, these habits have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. 

Yet, new habits are hard to acquire, and even harder to sustain. Imagine this: your smartphone becomes a wellness coach, guiding you toward healthier habits. It offers reminders for your daily meditation practice, tracks your nutrition, and monitors your sleep patterns.

Through wearable devices, you gain real-time insights into your physical activity and stress levels. These tools turn abstract wellness goals into tangible actions.

Practical tips to build wellness habits with technology

Tracking: Apps like Happy Things, the Apple Health Kit, or period tracking apps offer habit-tracking features that can help you monitor your daily wellness routines and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

Notifications and reminders: Leverage technology to set reminders for your wellness habits. Whether it’s a morning meditation session or a midday mood check, automated reminders keep you on track.

Mindfulness apps: Explore mindfulness and meditation apps that guide you through relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and mindfulness practices. These can become daily habits that enhance your mental wellness.

Community support: Many wellness apps offer community features where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Joining a supportive community can reinforce your commitment to wellness habits.

The future of mental health tech: personalised wellness

In the world of femtech, where innovation meets the unique needs of women’s health, one key area that often remains unexplored is the profound connection between mental wellness and our bodies.

As we navigate the intricacies of our menstrual cycles, fertility journeys, and life events, there’s an opportunity to leverage technology not only to track and manage these aspects but also to build healthier habits that enhance our overall wellness and happiness.

One of the most exciting aspects of where the wellness industry is currently going is personalisation. New developments unlock the potential for more personalised tech products than ever before, products that almost… understand you, and therefore, provide you with the most useful assistance for your journey.

At Happy Things, for example, we believe that personalisation should take into account the unique needs and experiences of women because our vision is to make happiness a skill that every woman can cultivate.

Technology is not just about convenience; it’s a potent tool for nurturing our mental health and happiness.

By tapping into the wisdom of positive psychology, utilising innovative apps, and building wellness habits, women can embark on a journey of holistic wellbeing. It’s time to unlock your wellness potential—one habit at a time.

Talia Soen is the founder and CEO of the wellness and wellbeing app Happy Things.