Knowing when to give yourself a break can be a difficult task. Here are a few tips on how to put yourself first in a digital world.
Nowadays, mental health has become a very serious topic in the world. And most companies have dedicated sections about how they look after their staff, and why mental health support is at the top of their priority list. Though, despite the endless positive-action conversations, very little support is actually provided.
Since the introduction of digital technology in 1930, this space has evolved rapidly, and the world has become dependent on it. Society has become consumed by online media, from the content on our phones to the desktops we work from in offices, or the iPads children are glued to. Since the use of technology has become so prominent, it’s hard to find space to tap out of it. Take a breather and regulate your nervous system.
We’ve compiled a short list of habits that can help reduce mental health stress and boost better daily routines. It’s all about finding a healthier relationship with yourself and the technology we use day-to-day.
Allow Yourself Tech-Free Hours
Given just how much most industries depend on us cross-checking facts on our phones, laptops or desktops, it can sometimes feel impossible to turn all of that off. Modern technology has become a constant hum, a delicate song of background noise in many of our lives. As a society, we’ve grown to be dependent on it, but very little is discussed on how it impacts our mental health.
It’s not normal to spend hours on end staring at a screen. Researching, typing, doom scrolling. The average person in the UK spends 7.5 hours a day engaged with on-screen content. Just over a quarter of the day, gone. Blocking off time to come away from it is bound to increase your mental well-being.
Given the fact that humans need between 7-8 hours of sleep every night, we work around 8 hours a day, and on some occasions, spend between 1-2 hours a day travelling. The idea of 7.5 hours being wasted on screen time is concerning. We need to be treating our bodies better. And it starts with reducing the hours we spend glued to screens. We promise, you’ll probably notice a lack in migraines, too!
Plan Fun Offline Activities
Setting some time aside to come away from all technology is a great boundary to have. But, it’s very unlikely you stick by it, if you don’t have a fun activity to do at that time. Whether it’s reading your favourite book, going for a stroll around your local park, practising an instrument or going for a coffee with a friend.
Planning fun offline activties are a must if you want to ensure you catch a break from the business of living in a tech world. Additionally, you’ll be surprised by how much taking some time out to do non-screen activities can boost your serotonin. If you can fit an hour or two of this in per day, and make it a routine, you’re more likely to have a better relationship with your mental health. After all, the brain loves routine!
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Seek Mental Health Support
For some people, gaining access to an in-person therapy session just isn’t plausible. Whether you’re trying to cram the hour on your lunch break, or the travel to and from the session eats away too much of your time. In-person therapy sessions have, in recent years, become somewhat of an abstraction. A barrier, even.
Online therapy is now just as, if not more, accessible across most practices. Whether you’re looking for NHS services like Talking Therapies, or fancy going private. Chances are, you’re likely able to find a practitioner who’s happy to work around your schedule. While we understand online therapy sessions won’t appeal to everyone, and it includes using technology for 1-2 hours, that time spent with a human connection and time to debrief make it totally worthwhile.
How do Gen Z Feel?
In the words of The Economist, the younger generation is “stressed, depressed and exam obsessed.” The intensity of the grind and work standards being pushed on young adults in the new digital age is weighing on the youth’s mental well-being. On top of how toxic social media has become.
Joshua Fletcher, tells the Big Issue,
“We’re in the age of optimisation when you are completely bombarded with a customised feed. Depending on what you see, five to six hours a day is where you have a problem. If you’re a young, disillusioned lad struggling with identity issues with no real role models, you’re going to struggle. It’s very good at speaking to your insecurities. You’re going to get people from the “bro sphere” living the high life, and you’re going to internalise that. It coincides with a sharp rise in gambling addiction among Gen Z.”
Qualified psychotherapist and communications expert Claire England has also shared reports on the matter. She says:
“According to the Ipsos Health Service Report 2025, which surveyed 23,274 adults aged 16–74 in 34 countries between January and March 2025, the majority of Gen Z (73%) say they’ve felt stressed to the point it affected their daily life.”
This week, Dr Dr. William Beecroft, M.D., also confirmed in a new report that, “Gen Z adults report higher rates of mental health concerns like depression and anxiety than previous generations, according to research.” That’s why, more than ever, it’s important that the younger generation is provided with sufficient structures and tools to help manage their mental well-being at work. On top of knowing that they can have moments where they can switch off from all things tech-related. Since overconsumption of it has become a driving factor for poor mental well-being in young adults.
Moving Forward
Limiting screen time isn’t just something that can help the average adult. In recent months, the UK has been trying to implement a new bill on the ban of social media for under-16s. So far, this has already been passed in countries such as Australia and France. And while its incentive is more to do with youth safety, it also, subsequently, addresses the potential of online abuse, and thus could protect the mental well-being of thousands of young adults in England.
To continue reading more stories about mental well-being, social media, and legislation that can impact the younger generation. Become a member at Inside Success for regular updates.
Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
