The Impact of Technology on Stress: How To Unplug and Recharge

Have you ever felt like your phone was an extension of you? In today’s hyper-connected world, technology has numerous benefits, but in some ways, it is aiding us to feel even more disconnected from ourselves. Constant digital usage, mindless scrolling, and comparing ourselves to unrealistic expectations on social media leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained.

A 2022 report showed that, on average, adults in the U.S. spend more than 13 hours a day using phones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and gaming devices (Cramer-Flood, 2022). This blog post will explore 3 ways digital overload impacts our well-being and share 3 practical strategies to engage in a digital detox to reclaim your calm today!

What is Digital Overload? 

It is recommended that adults spend less than 2 hours of screen time a day outside of work (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2013). If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling, using consumption to distract yourself, or even find yourself media multitasking - this is a big indicator that these habits can lead to digital overload. Digital overload can make it hard to stay in the present and process information and can often leave you feeling anxious, fatigued, or depressed. 

Why Does Digital Overload Matter for Our Well-Being?

1. Emotional & Physical Symptoms

Digital overload can elicit symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, fatigue, headaches, overstimulation, excessive worry, mood swings, sleep issues, and more. 

2. Disconnected From Your World

Digital overload can affect you in other ways too, such as spending less time with loved ones, decreased time outdoors, and decreased daily movement which exacerbates mental and physical health. 

3. Information Overload

A key risk of digital overload is information overload, which is often coined as “doom scrolling.” It can be very difficult to stop scrolling, but after a point, your brain is unable to process the information it’s receiving. This experience can lead to difficulty with decision-making, regret, irritability, and mental exhaustion.

3 Ways to Start Your Digital Detox Today To Avoid Stress

1. Set Time Limits

For instance, set a 5 or 10-minute daily timer for Instagram and put your device down after the timer is up.

2. Prioritize Real-Life Activities

Once you put down your phone, pick up a book, a hobby, or meet up with a friend. Allow yourself to recharge by getting in touch with the present moment.

3. Establish Technology-Free Zones

For instance, keep your dining room table a tech-free zone so you can mindfully enjoy your meal without distractions.

In the digital world, these strategies can not only be a breath of fresh air but can become long-term habits. Talk to your friends or family members about your goals for a digital detox,

and maybe find a partner to do it with you. 

It can be difficult to set boundaries and cope with technology-related stress, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Here at Wellness Tree Counseling, we offer a supportive environment so you can achieve your goals through a clear and healthy process to help you regain calm in your life.

Learn more about our services HERE.

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About Wellness Tree Counseling...

Our mission at Wellness Tree Counseling is to promote wellness through a culturally sensitive lens so that individuals, families and communities are encouraged to rise to their full potential and engage life in meaningful ways.

Our vision is to provide the BIPOC community with comprehensive holistic care that empowers and equips them with skills to work toward improved mental health and well-being. We take great pride in treating the whole-person.

At Wellness Tree Counseling, we value treating our clients and community with C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Affirming, Respect, & Empathy).

To learn more about our services, please visit www.wellnesstreecounseling.com