The impact of using electronic devices on your emotional health

The excess of information through new technologies could lead to stress. Hyperstimulation, hyperconnectivity and the light of screens deconfigure our biological clock.

Last update: ​ November 26, 2024

As​ he explains‍ to us ⁤ Carlos Cenalmor psychiatrist and ⁢psychotherapist‌ specialized in exhaustion and stress treatment, “our brain is not designed to handle the large amounts of information it receives today.” Therefore, you ⁣need ​to ‌put in extra effort and stress to handle that volume of data and stimuli.

It’s a fact ‍that we live in a hyper-connected age. A worker in almost any field receives much more‌ information than someone in the⁣ same ‍situation received a few years ago. Contact with colleagues and bosses ⁣occurs permanently via

From the 80s ⁣The concept ‍of⁣ technostress is discussed. However, The increase in ‌remote ⁤working in the last ​5 years has accelerated the ⁤phenomenonwhich Doctor Cenalmor⁢ now explains to us.

The problem of lack‌ of disconnection

Unfinished tasks and commitments​ follow ​us⁣ all day, even if it is no longer time for working hours. This ⁢hyperconnectivity prevents us from resting and, in part, technology ⁢is responsible.⁣ The ​earrings are always there, with us, on the computer or on the cell phone, as a memory.

Carlos Cenalmor gives⁣ an example: “On Sunday⁢ morning⁢ you can receive emails from work or WhatsApp group​ messages that interrupt your rest.” This will have major effects ​on your stress levels and ⁣mental balance.

According to the psychiatrist, ​interruptions ‍and pending tasks that are not handled properly become chronic stress. This ‍can lead to‌ exhaustiona condition that affects the ‌mind, body and ⁤spiritual dimension.

“Hyperconnectivity not only prevents real disconnection from the work​ environment, but also impacts ‍our ability to enjoy the present,‌ reconnect with our emotions,‍ and ‌rest deeply.”

-Carlos Cenalmor-

stress for multitasking

The idea of ​​labour productivity quickly became associated multitaskingfacilitated by electronic devices ​which, in theory, ‌allow us ⁢to do‍ many things ⁣at the same time. However, Faced with many tasks to complete and many stimuli at the same time, the brain becomes stressed.

Dr. Cenalmor points out that‌ scientific studies have already shown that multitasking causes the worker to ⁣lose efficiency. The impulse is usually to resolve all outstanding issues at once or address them at the same ⁢time, ⁣which‌ is neither logical nor practical.

Furthermore, ‌”an important element is that new​ technologies are designed to be attractive and addictive”, ⁣underlines the expert exhaustion. There are people for whom managing balance with electronic devices is more difficult.;‌ especially ⁤when it comes to remote work.

Telecommuting suffers from⁢ the lack of spatial separation between work and personal life. So, multitasking mixes work⁣ tasks with home tasks. The limits become diluted, explains ‌Cenalmor, and it becomes difficult for the brain to know when to rest.

Tips for reducing the impact of technology on our emotional well-being

The expert offers a​ series of recommendations so that electronic devices work in our favor‍ and do not alter emotional health:

Set clear ‍boundaries: It is necessary to ‌define times for using devices and moments free⁢ from technology during the day.

Encourage the conscious use of technology: Reflecting on when​ and⁤ why we use electronic devices is⁢ a practice that recovers our values ​​and purposes.

Implement ​logout routine: It is important to⁣ establish breaks during the day. The ideal would be moments in the open air, to⁤ stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Notifications disabled: It is good to create spaces free⁢ from interruptions to⁢ promote ‍concentration and reduce mental overload. Office workers and teleworkers have applications at ⁢their ‌disposal that create ⁤a simpler interface to reduce screen calls. Or you can simply‌ close all tabs and programs that are not the main ‍focus.

Speed⁣ ​​does not mean productivity or well-being

Carlos Cenalmor ‌explains that ⁢the repetition of notifications, the ⁣pressure to respond quickly and the false idea of ​​what a busy worker is contribute to work stress. The brain ⁤is exhausted from the constant pressureas stimuli “activate ⁤the sympathetic system, bringing us into a state ⁢of constant alert.”

“The immediacy of the response – explains the expert ‍- is linked to the difficulty we ⁢have in setting limits⁣ and the​ need to always please others”. ⁤On the other hand,⁤ responding extremely quickly is linked to the excessive and artificial dopamine that is generated in ‌the interaction when acting on ‌networks.

Before speed, It is advisable ⁣to prioritize mental and emotional well-being. This is why we need daily spaces ‍free from cell phones, notifications and ‍emails.

What self-care practices can ‍enhance the effectiveness of disconnection from ⁤work?

Is to create definite⁢ starting and ​ending ‍points for work to allow for real disconnection and mental rest.

Prioritize self-care‌ activities: ‍ Engage in activities​ that promote relaxation and well-being,⁣ such as exercise, meditation, reading, or spending time with ⁤loved ones.

Limit notifications: Reducing the ⁢number of notifications‌ you receive can help minimize ⁤distractions and interruptions, allowing ⁣for more⁢ focused work periods.

Seek professional support if needed: ⁣If feelings of stress ‍and exhaustion become overwhelming, it may be ⁤beneficial to consult with a mental health professional for‌ guidance and support.

By implementing these ⁤strategies, individuals can ‌help mitigate the negative impact of technology on their ‍emotional well-being while ​promoting a healthier work-life balance.