Social Media, Technology, Work and Mental Health
Australians are the second highest per capita users of smartphones in the world and studies have
shown that if you don’t take regular breaks from smartphones, computer screens, other digital
devices and the constant presence of work in your life, it affects your emotional health, performance
and productivity.
Join Us
As part of National Psychology Week from 8th – 14th November 2015 the Australian Psychological
Society’s Ballarat Branch is challenging every Ballarat workplace to commit to a daily ONE HOUR
Digital Detox. That means one hour away from the screens for one hour each day for everyone.
Make it a dedicated hour for everyone to switch off, or take it in turns to get out and have some nonscreen time each day.
Why?
Because persistent exposure to technology has been shown to increase stress – known as
technostress - particularly when the technology use is work-related. Common signs of stress at
work include;
 Persistent fatigue
 Muscle tension
 Stomach upsets and gastrointestinal problems
 Poor sleep
 Irritability
 Pessimism
 Difficult concentrating
 Low tolerance and impatience
 Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.
When we’re stressed our heart rate and blood pressure increase and our bodies move into a "high
alert" state associated with elevated levels of the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol. This can lead to serious
long term health problems. We’re also less productive and less efficient when we’re feeling
stressed and we’re more likely to take time off or to consider looking for another job.
Taking regular breaks from the constant contact of mobile phones, email, laptops and other devices
allows our bodies to rest and recover for a period, reducing the likelihood of longer term physical
and emotional health impacts and recharging our batteries.
5 Tips for Less Screen Time and Greater Mental Health at Work
1. Take dedicated time out each day from screen-based work.
2. Set boundaries for work email and phone calls. Switch the work phone off whenever you
can.
3. Switch phones, laptops and other devices off by a set time each night. 9pm is popular. Use of
technology before bed has been shown to contribute to poor sleep.
4. Take meal and other regular breaks. Don’t be tempted to work through. Get away from your
workplace, go for a walk and engage in the world around you for at least 30 minutes.
5. If you’re the boss, ensure that you are leading the way and modelling the right behaviour.
You can’t do your job well if you’re stressed and neither can your team.
Ellen Jackson
Potential Psychology Services
Chair, Ballarat Branch
Australian Psychological Society
0403 941 191
[email protected]