Feeling stressed? You aren’t alone.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress runs high across all age groups. According to the APA’s annual Stress in America 2023 survey, the percentage of Americans rating their stress level between 8 and 10 (high) has increased post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. This is true for all age groups except for those over age 65: (ages 18-34, 34% vs 28%; ages 35-44, 31% vs. 21%; ages 45-64, 22% vs. 18%, ages 65+, 9% vs. 10%).1 A connection between stress, age group, and the amount of time spent on electronic devices?

Research in recent years is suggesting a connection between stress and technology use. You may have seen the buzz words “technostress” or “digital anxiety” pop up in social media conversations.

An APA survey in 2017 reported that four out of five adults “constantly” check their email, texts, and social media accounts.2

The 2017 survey also found that the same individuals who are locked into their digital devices reported higher levels of stress compared to individuals who interact with technology on a less frequent basis.

Although we typically think that stress only occurs from traditional sources, like work, finances, health, and relationships, lesser-known sources of daily stress, such as social media and technology overload, impact mental health.

Even though there is no doubt that technology is making life immeasurably easier, like anything else in life, too much of a good thing can have negative effects. The increase of technology is no different.

4 ways stress and technology can wear us out

The ubiquity of technology, and our growing dependence on it, contributes to increasing our stress. Here are some common reasons why.

1. Work-Life balance

The instantaneous communication brought on by technology and social media has forever changed our work-life balance. With the ability to answer an email always at our fingertips, the boundary between when work hours begin and end has become blurred. The reality of being constantly available is a significant source of stress for the modern worker. One study found that the expectation of monitoring and responding to work email after work hours inevitably strains home and family life.2

2. Unending interruptions

The constant bombardment of messages and notifications that technology brings becomes a never ceasing interruption. The constant distraction impacts our ability to focus and becomes another source of digital anxiety and technostress.

3. Comparison stress

Social media is now the modern equivalent of keeping up with the Joneses. It can lead to comparing our lives with the lives of those we are connected with. Through our social networks, we see updates from friends and family about how seemingly “perfect” their lives are, which can impact mental health, increase stress, and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Researchers are now studying the impact social media has on mood, and some believe the more we use social media, the more likely its use will have a long-term impact on mood – and not for the good.

4. Messing up your sleep schedule

Technology use (and the blue light that devices emit) has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, and the lack of sleep makes people more susceptible to daily stress and mental health struggles.

5 steps to lessen stress and technology-induced tension

While you don’t have to go off the grid completely, here are five simple steps to maximize the benefits of modern technology while minimizing the ways it stresses us out.

1. Limit technology use

Our cell phone and our laptop need a break to recharge, and so do we. Set one or more strict times throughout the day or week where you can be technology free for 30 minutes. Read a book, listen to your favorite music, or practice a meditative breathing technique. Any activity that separates you from the constant distraction of technology will help. If you are brave enough, then take a complete technology detox or an extended break from all technology.

2. Test for stress

Understanding your stress is the first step to effectively managing it. Take a stress test to better understand your stress levels and the hormones that are associated with stress. Thorne offers a convenient at home Stress Test that measures cortisol and DHEA levels – two adrenal hormones associated with the body’s response to stress.

Knowing your levels of these two stress hormones can guide you to your best stress-management strategies. Follow-up testing will confirm whether the changes you implement are having the desired effects.  

3. Support healthy stress management with supplements

Supplements can support a holistic approach to stress management.

Thorne’s Ginseng Plus is formulated to help the body build resilience and manage the impact of stress. Ginseng Plus delivers Korean red ginseng root and lion’s mane mushroom, two well-known botanical ingredients that support a positive mood during times of stress and support the body’s ability to resist stress-related fatigue.

Thorne’s Memoractiv™, a unique nootropic for anyone who is experiencing the stress of a tech-driven society, can not only help manages stress, but also to enhance mental focus. In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the eyes from the effects of blue-light emitting screens.

Or you might consider Thorne’s Stress Management Bundle, a trio of supplements that optimizes the body’s response to stress. The Stress Management Bundle features Stress B-Complex, an optimal balance of essential B vitamins for health adrenal function; PharmaGABA-250, a natural form of GABA that acts as a “brake” on stress*; and Stress Balance, a unique botanical and nutrient formula that helps reduce fatigue.

4. Incorporate stress-reducing activities daily

Work in 30 minutes of a stress-reducing activity every day. Take a walk or yoga class, exercise, learn to meditate, read a newspaper, nap with your cat purring on your chest – mix it up a bit. But if you don’t find time every day to fit in 30 minutes of a relaxing activity, definitely don’t stress about it!

5. Consider talking to a professional

Chronic long-term stress can be detrimental to good health. Consider reaching out to a professional for support. Together you and a trusted professional can find which stress management solutions work best for you.

References

  1. American Psychological Association: Stress in America Survey. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress [Accessed 10.16.24]
  2. APA’s survey finds constantly checking electronic devices linked to significant stress for most Americans. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/02/checking-devices [Accessed 10.16.24]
  3. Becker W, Belkin L, Tuskey S. Killing me softly: Electronic communications monitoring and employee and spouse well-being. Acad Manage Proc 2018. 12574. 10.5465/AMBPP.2018.121.