Technology can be one of the primary reasons for stress

It is widely known that social media never sleeps. As a result, modern tech has gained a significant presence in people’s lives. With such easy access, it is inevitable to become addicted to social media and gadgets. But, unfortunately, the increased use of such devices often has adverse effects on sleep and relaxation. In turn, it causes more stress to build up daily, finally resulting in a cycle of endless stress accumulation.

The dark side of technology is starting to show up in people’s lifestyles and behavior. Excessive use of multimedia leads to stress and anxiety and affects cognitive function. With the continuous assault and bombardment of modern technology, finding anyone without a smartphone is hard. At this rate of advancement, the next generation is less likely to remember a time when technology was not commonplace. While modern communication has made our life easier, it has also incandescently changed the whole outlook towards life.

We see more and more students running towards technology and programming courses as this is the need of the hour. Whether they are actually comprehending the topics or are taking external programming help to improve their grades is not a matter of concern. So if you are entirely consumed with this fast-paced world and sometimes feel lethargic and demotivated, here are 6 tips to slow down a bit.

6 Strategies To Tackle Stress From Technology And Overcome It

1. Take A Digital Detox

Staying digitally active for prolonged hours impacts your physical and your mental health. So try to find a time to stay away from technology and unwind yourself. Disengage from social media and focus on everyday pleasures that you missed. To cut yourself from stress, make time for passionate and worthwhile activities to help you with your digital detox.

Cutting yourself entirely from social media might feel challenging at first, so try to take baby steps. Initially designate one hour and gradually move to an entire time of the day and finally a week. If you are struggling to stay away from your devices, here are some tips that can help:

• Whenever you want to use your smartphone or laptop, or PC, try to consider the reason why. Try to use your gadgets with a purpose.
• Invest more time in non-digital media like newspapers, books, comics, music, etc.
• Control your overall technology use by turning off notifications entirely for the time being.

2. Incorporate Social Boundaries

Most people like to use their gadgets even when they are in a room full of people. This divides the attention between the real-life experience and technology. This has negative impacts on relationships and makes people unaware of their surroundings. The situations also contribute to daily stress and can make people feel tired and frustrated.

To avoid such instances, try to be more mindful of your present and live in the moment. Incorporate social boundaries and set some ground rules for yourself. If you are wondering how to set boundaries, try out these tricks:

• Make a rule not to use your phone at the dinner table or watch television when surrounded by friends and family.
• Limit your tech time, avoid using your phone before bedtime, and spend more time with your loved ones.

3. Take A Break From Work

The most prominent reason for technology-related stress in a person’s life is being accessible for work all the time. Humans spend an average time of their day working that makes it challenging for them to maintain the work-life balance. Unable to find leisure time or cope up with the sheer volume of work, they often get anxious and frustrated.

Even though it can sometimes be tempting to constantly check emails and respond to work-related calls, being a workaholic, trying to take a break. Leave your workplace for some time and allow your brain to unwind and relax. Here are some ways that will help you take some time off from work:

• Spend some quality time with your loved ones, go out for dinner, go out on vacation or catch up with an old friend.
• Indulge yourself in meditation, mindfulness, and exercise to feel your mind for all the good things in life.
• Turn off work notifications, don’t check emails or respond to calls and make the most out of your vacation.

4. Connect More In Person

Staying connected over technology all the time might make you overwhelmed and stressed. However, finding a human connection is the best way to re-balance your life in most cases. While relieving yourself from digital stress requires you to stay away from your devices, you might feel empty at times. Establishing authentic human connections at this time will help you feel the void.

Moreover, communicating over chats, emails, and social media texts might sometimes give rise to misunderstanding. This is because it can sometimes be hard to detect the tone and emotions, leading to prolonged response time, culminating in stress and anxiety. If you are wondering how to have conversations face to face, try out these tips:

• Schedule a meeting time with someone you feel comfortable with and talk about things in life.
• Be present at the moment with one another and focus on the quality time you are spending.
• Avoid distractions like scrolling through social media, attending calls, etc.

5. Select Your Contacts Carefully

Connecting with people or scrolling through social media pages of people who can easily ruin your mood can be the cause of cute stress. Therefore, always be selective of your contacts and decide who do you want to connect with and stay available for. Most people feel obligated to accept every request on social media and respond to every call and email that they get. Doing so without your consent and immense dissatisfaction can lead to stress. If you also feel pressured to select your contacts, here are some tips to help:

• Connect with people you feel comfortable with and who understand you.
• Surround yourself with positive people who always bring the best out of you and keep you motivated.
• Stay in touch with like-minded people that can give you constructive advice or provide help in time of need.

6. Don’t Pressure Yourself To Have It All

With the advancement in technology, most people feel obligated to have every tech device in the palm of their hands. Regardless of the requirements, they still want to possess them due to peer pressure or suppressed desire. It can often be tempting to purchase the latest smartphone or laptop, or PC or to create an account for every social media site that is trending. However, you should never forget that technology is there to enhance your life, not to detract you from it. If technology is the reason for the stress in your life, it is not worth it.

• Don’t allow technology to ruin your mood, and stick to what you find helpful.
• Don’t pressure yourself to follow and keep up with tends or allow your friends to manipulate you.

Parting Thoughts

Technology has enormous impacts on a person’s mood, and there is no official system that can relieve you from the stress created by it. However, if you feel the pressure and it is meddling with your well-being and mental health, then above mentioned are some tips to get you through it. Look for escape and help whenever required rather than burden yourself with the inevitable.