For many of us our mental health extends beyond the realms of depression, anxiety, or despair; it is the very lens through which we perceive life, the palette that contains the colours and textures of our mental world. It’s what guides our choices, influences our decisions, and plays a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being.
As someone deeply committed to promoting good mental health, I believe that knowledge is the key to empowerment. It’s the knowledge that enables us to navigate the labyrinth of our minds, to recognise our cognitive tendencies, and to uncover our true potential.
Our mental health journeys are profoundly personal, shaped by our unique experiences, desires, wants, and needs. Each of these elements weaves the intricate tapestry of our mental landscape. However, today, I want to discuss a topic that touches us all.
The Impact of Digital Demands on Mental Health
In an age where the seconds on our devices and screens seem to multiply like rabbits, our exposure to divisive and often rage-inducing, yet highly addictive but ultimately meaningless online content has become an alarming reality. The ceaseless demands of the digital world have infiltrated every aspect of our lives, threatening our mental equilibrium.
The perils of our digital age to our mental well-being are numerous: fragmented attention, continual social comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), perpetual distraction, and sleep dysregulation, to name a few. The constant exposure to these stressors takes a toll on our mental well-being.
As the war for our attention rages, we really don’t stand a chance against the crushingly immense sums of money that have been invested into developing strategies to tap into our primal urges. As a result we’ve become the unsuspecting victims to a type of psychological warfare that wouldn’t seem out of place in a science fiction novel.
We’ve subconsciously coerced into thinking that the thrill of seeking external validation fulfils our needs. In reality, it merely offers a fleeting dopamine hit that masks our underlying need for genuine meaning and fulfilment. The cycle repeats, and the chase for another hit never ends.
The principles behind hedonic adaptation mean that these dopamine hits become less and less effective each time, and we end up wanting more and more.
This hedonic treadmill, as it’s known, keeps us running on a never-ending chase. We are encouraged to acquire, achieve, or indulge in something new, only to find that its lustre fades all too quickly. The pursuit of more becomes a never-ending cycle, contributing to our sense of dissatisfaction despite material comforts. We are addicted.
Defining Gratitude and Its Relevance
So, where does gratitude fit into this complex puzzle?
Gratitude, in its essence, is the acknowledgment of the goodness in one’s life. It stands in direct opposition to the sense of lack induced by the hedonic treadmill. Instead of fixating on what we don’t have, gratitude encourages us to appreciate what we do possess. It’s a shift in perspective, and a powerful antidote to the cycle of perpetual wanting.
In this respect, gratitude isn’t merely a buzzword or platitude; it can be a profoundly transformative action when deployed correctly. It empowers us to break free from the relentless pursuit of more and helps us find contentment in the present moment. In today’s digital age, where the world conspires to make us crave more, gratitude serves as a counterbalance.
Gratitude as a Counterbalance
While our continued exposure to our devices and their pervasive algorithms urge us to want more, gratitude reminds us to appreciate what we already possess. It’s a purposeful act of recognising the goodness in our lives.
Spending 5-10 minutes each day contemplating what we are grateful for in life may seem like a token gesture against the tsunami of digital mind pollution that comes our way every single day. But, if we can begin to carve out a regular moment of calm and tranquillity in our lives, we can begin to turn the tide from the endless pursuit of the things we don’t have towards appreciation of the things we do.
Consider the feeling of emptiness that often follows a scroll through social media’s endless feeds. Once you finally find the courage to put the phone down, it’s not long before the urge to pick it up again strikes. This is the hedonic treadmill.
Gratitude breaks this cycle by prompting us to pause and appreciate the richness of our current circumstances.
When we finally find the courage to step off the treadmill, we may find a new world. A world not defined by curated images, likes or filters, but the authentic beauty of our lived experiences created by the transformative lens of gratitude.
Gratitude Journal
Spend a few minutes each day jotting down things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day or as significant as a loved one’s support.
Mindfulness
Take a minute or two during the day to pause and appreciate your surroundings. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun on your face or the aroma of your morning coffee, taking a moment to be present can cultivate gratitude.
Thank-You Notes
Write thank-you notes or messages to people who’ve made a positive impact on your life. Not only does it make them feel appreciated, but it also reinforces your own feelings of gratitude.
Verbal Acknowledgement
Make it a habit to verbally express your thanks for small acts of kindness, whether it’s a colleague holding the door for you or a friend listening to you vent. Acknowledging these moments can make both you and the other person feel good.
Behind this article lies a pretty simple message; Spend less time at your screens, take a look around, and be aware of what you have in your life that is worth being grateful for. Reach out to those around you, express gratitude and maybe even pay a compliment or two.
Conclusion
In a world characterised by digital demands and the ceaseless pursuit of more, the realisation that we possess the power to curate our own mental landscapes can be a liberating one. By practising gratitude and understanding the pitfalls of hedonic adaptation, we can navigate the challenges of our modern era with resilience and clarity.
I invite you to consider incorporating gratitude practices into your personal lives. I encourage each of you to share your thoughts, and take action to prioritise mental well-being in your lives. If you’d like to discuss this topic further or share your own experiences, please feel free to connect with me. Together, let’s embrace the transformative power of gratitude and work toward better mental health in the digital age.
