Control and Separation

Modern technology does more than help you get things done: it can change how you feel. Three positive impacts on an individual's mental wellbeing are separating yourself from a stressful environment, feeling in control of your own schedule, and adjusting your schedule to meet your family's needs.

Separating yourself from a stressful environment

A device gives you somewhere else to go without leaving the room. Headphones and a screen can carry you into something that takes all your attention — a photo you are editing for a club competition, or a language app you practise on the bus. Because your mind is busy with the task, it moves away from the argument or the noise around you and the stress eases for a while.

This is a distraction rather than a cure. The stressful situation is still there afterwards, so it helps most as a short break that lets you calm down enough to cope.

Feeling in control of your schedule

Stress often comes from not knowing what is coming. Technology that replaces guesswork with clear facts helps: a live bus app shows that the 07:52 is running eight minutes late, so you know there is still time for breakfast, and a walk-in centre app shows the current wait before you set off. You can see what is happening and when, decide what to do first, and stop carrying it all in your head. Being in charge of your time, instead of being chased by it, is the impact on wellbeing.

Adjusting your schedule to meet family needs

Control also means you can move things. Online booking lets you choose an appointment slot that fits around collecting a younger sister from school or visiting a grandparent in hospital, and a shift-swap app at a weekend job lets you swap a Saturday for a family event. Because you made the adjustment yourself, you feel in charge of your time.

It is not guaranteed, though: technology offers the choice, but a manager can still refuse the swap or the slot can be full.