A summer without a smartphone

Dear readers,

In a few days, I'm going on a camping trip – and I want to switch off as much as possible. So, my smartphone. I imagine my analog everyday life like this: sitting in front of the tent, sipping coffee, strolling to the beach, cooking, dozing, reading. Above all: having a good time with my favorite fellow travelers – without constant distractions.

Surveys repeatedly show that many people desire less screen time. The goal is less stress. However, a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has once again shown me that screen-free times and places are truly important for our interactions.

Technology certainly has its advantages, it says. But smartphones and the like are also increasingly making us lonely and socially isolated. You can read more about this in our "The Serious Side of Life" section. I definitely do some pre-trip training—and don't lug my phone into the bedroom late at night. How do you consciously take time out from your digital life?

Yours, Saskia Heinze

The guide for health, well-being and the whole family - every other Thursday.

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Street noise can put a strain on the body.

Source: IMAGO/Arnulf Hettrich

Traffic noise should not be underestimated. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) has recently made this clear. According to the report, an estimated 22 million people in Germany, or 26 percent of the population, have to cope with noise levels above a defined threshold of 55 decibels.

This can have negative health consequences for both the body and mind. If the noise limits set by the World Health Organization are exceeded, the risk of sleep disorders, stress, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and depression increases. Here you can read about what can help against noise. There's also an interactive map showing the location of street noise hotspots.

Despite the anticipation of the baby, conflicts during pregnancy are common. "Pregnancy is a major turning point in any romantic relationship, because two lovers become two caregivers," couples therapist Simone Pfundstein explained to my colleague Ina Johannsen. From the established two-person dynamic, with little potential for conflict, a three-person relationship develops with new challenges, issues, and sometimes conflicting ideas about life together.

Conflicts often develop into a cycle of attack and defense. What helps? Showing your vulnerability, says Pfundstein. "Vulnerability is not a weakness, but a superpower." Openly expressing your current feelings is important so that others understand what's going on inside you. This means using "I" messages, not "you" accusations. In other words, "Name what is, not what the other person is doing or not doing," recommends the therapist. Further tips can be found throughout the article.

Children and young people encounter dangerous beauty and hunger trends on social networks.

Source: picture alliance / dpa-tmn

Instructions for extreme diets, hunger contests, and images of unhealthily thin bodies – all of this was shared under the #Skinnytok hashtag on TikTok. The hashtag has since been blocked. However, there is still a lot of content on social media that promotes eating disorders. This is particularly toxic for the vulnerable group of children and adolescents, experts told my colleague Irene Habich.

As a result, there's a risk of low self-esteem and a negatively influenced body image. According to a study, young women feel worse about their bodies after just seven to eight minutes of watching TikTok videos in which other women give diet or fitness tips.

What can parents do? It's advisable to talk openly with your children about the body images conveyed online. And to address the role of influencers who earn money by presenting themselves in a more positive light, using filters and image editing. Another tip: In everyday life, parents should avoid making negative comments about appearances and should try to boost their children's self-confidence. Read the full article (+) here.

Rapid temperature changes can be exhausting. People can at least prepare their bodies somewhat for fluctuations, says Andreas Matzarakis, professor of environmental meteorology at the University of Freiburg. "This works best with exercise in the fresh air – it's not about jogging or extreme sports, but simply taking a walk," he explained. "Contrast showers and Kneipp baths can also help with hardening."

Loneliness is no longer just a problem for the elderly, but increasingly also for younger generations. One in three older people is socially isolated, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) . Adolescents suffer from loneliness almost as frequently. One in four is socially isolated, according to the survey. The reasons? Illness, poor education and low income, a lack of opportunities for social contact, and living alone. Especially smartphones and digital media.

"Adolescents, like no other demographic, need role models and guidelines for dealing with the digital world, which is both tempting and harmful," comments my colleague Carolin Burchardt. Stricter cell phone rules in schools are certainly a step in the right direction. But even more so, they need self-disciplined adults—parents, teachers, and other role models—who give their undivided attention.

Cooling off in the lake: usually a good idea. (Symbolic image)

Source: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

When temperatures are extremely high, many people cool off in the water. Those who prefer a public lake to a swimming pool will certainly be pleased to hear this news: The water quality in this country is, in the vast majority of cases, quite good.

At least, that's the finding from the new bathing water report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), which my colleague Laura Beigel took a closer look at. Around 91 percent of the bodies of water analyzed in 2024 impressed with "excellent" water conditions. 98 percent met at least EU standards. And only nine of almost 2,300 bathing areas were rated as inadequate. Where are good bathing spots in Germany? My colleague's article includes a graphic that also looks at water quality.

If you have any suggestions or criticism, please contact our editorial team directly at [email protected] . We look forward to hearing from you!

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