The Impact of Notifications on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
By: Nicole Roche and Ana Maria Ojeda, PsyD
In today’s digitally driven world, notifications have become a part of our daily lives. Whether it be emails, social media announcements, or news alerts, our mobile devices are constantly pinging.
While some notifications are important, they all can influence our mental health and emotional well-being – positively and negatively. Ana Maria Ojeda, PsyD, a board-certified clinical psychologist at Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, has four helpful tips on how to manage and cultivate a balanced digital lifestyle:
Stay present:
As notifications are constantly bombarding our mobile devices and computers, it is important to stay present. Instant gratification from a notification can turn negative, depending on the kind of content being received. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even dependency on certain notifications to feel happy.
Set boundaries:
Setting boundaries for device time, silencing notifications that are non-essential, and implementing a routine that allows for time away from your devices are all beneficial ways to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Practice mindfulness:
Cultivating mindfulness can help balance out being constantly connected to our devices. Try your best to disconnect and focus your attention on your surroundings. Take the time to observe what is going on around you instead of focusing on the messages and alerts that your phone or computer are receiving.
Stop the comparison game:
As we interact more through our electronic devices, we tend to seek validation from these notifications. Reminding ourselves that what we see on social media is not always reality is crucial. Without putting things in perspective, we can begin to compare ourselves to unrealistic standards and create unhealthy habits.
By recognizing and understanding the impact notifications can have on our mental health, we can take the steps to effectively manage how we engage with them. Promoting a healthier relationship with our devices will allow us to take charge of our emotional well-being and find a better approach to navigating electronic interactions.
For more information on Jackson’s Behavioral Health Hospital, or to book an appointment, visit our website or call 305-355-7000.