In my previous blog (Isolation in the Digital Age), I wrote about how we’re all becoming isolated and something that goes in hand in hand with this is stress and yes I’m fully aware that stress is a word that is used way to much today, there is a reason why its used as much as it is today and comes down to the digital world.
Begin on our phones for hours a day, and receiving a constant stream of information is detrimental to our mental health, as most notifications are unnecessary. Over five years ago, I switched off all my notifications except for messages and my banking app and I’ve never looked back.
Back in the 80’s when I first started work I’d go in at 9am and finish at 5pm and that was it, I did not think about work until the following morning. I was not disturbed by messages or emails at all hours. This allowed me to complete my work and relax. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, and it is no wonder that many people are tired and stressed. It is evident that the problem lies in our constant connectivity.
You have the control to tell your boss that when you finish today you’ll be turning your phone off and you’ll be doing every time you leave the office, just start saying I’ll work when I’m at work.
You DON’T have to be plugged in 24 hours a day 7 days a week, just take some time for you.
People living in the digital world have no downtime, and that is having the worst kind of effect on the mental wellbeing of everyone. Today, everyone relaxes by going on their phones, iPads, etc., and I’ve had many a conversation about how this is NOT relaxing. Many of my friends say it relaxes them, yet in the same breath they all say the same things: I’m tired, I’m stressed, I’m fed up, and then I get this: I wish I had your life; you’re always travelling and taking time for yourself. The way I’ve been able to do this is by switching off my digital devices, I don’t see over 600 ads everyday (that’s not an exaggeration), I’m not being tricked into buying things I don’t need, you have the control to STOP.
If you simply unplug at the end of the working day, sit and listen to music or simply sit in silence, you will begin to relax. Start a conversation with a friend or loved one and disconnect from the digital world. You will soon realise how much the digital screens are negatively impacting your mental health.
Remember, you have the control to stop all this craziness; it’s your choice at the end of the day. You only have yourself to blame for the life you’re choosing to live.
