You might think your daily routine is keeping you grounded, but what if it’s secretly fuelling your anxiety? Dr. Tomy Marshall, in collaboration with the health and wellness team from Ski Vertigo, warns that one common habit—practised by millions without a second thought—could be silently amplifying stress levels. As anxiety rates soar in the UK, with studies showing a 25% increase in cases post-pandemic, understanding these hidden triggers has never been more urgent. Could your everyday actions be working against your mental well-being? Here’s what you need to know.
The Habit That’s Fueling Your Anxiety
Dr. Tomy Marshall, in collaboration with the health and wellness team at Ski Vertigo, reveals that excessive screen time—especially mindless scrolling on social media—could be one of the biggest yet overlooked contributors to anxiety.
From the moment we wake up, many of us reach for our phones, flooding our brains with an overwhelming mix of news, notifications, and social comparisons before we even step out of bed. “The constant exposure to curated content, alarming news cycles, and digital stimulation keeps our nervous system in a heightened state of alert,” says Dr. Marshall. “It tricks the brain into believing we are under constant threat, increasing cortisol levels and triggering anxiety.”
The Science Behind Screen-Induced Anxiety
Research backs up this claim. A 2023 study from the University of Bath found that people who took a week-long break from social media experienced a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels. Furthermore, a report from King’s College London showed that individuals who spent more than three hours per day on their phones were twice as likely to develop anxiety-related symptoms compared to those with limited screen time.
Social media isn’t the only problem. Excessive exposure to digital screens—whether through work emails, binge-watching TV, or endless online shopping—can overstimulate the brain, disrupt sleep patterns, and create a cycle of restlessness. This constant digital bombardment leaves little room for mindfulness, real-world interactions, and mental decompression—key components in maintaining a healthy mental state.
Why This Matters and How to Fix It
Understanding this link is crucial because anxiety doesn’t just impact mental health; it affects productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Thankfully, there are simple yet effective changes you can make to counteract this anxiety-inducing habit:
- Set Digital Boundaries – Establish screen-free zones in your home, particularly in the bedroom. Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime to allow your brain to unwind.
- Practice the 20-20-20 Rule – For every 20 minutes of screen time, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.
- Curate Your Content – Unfollow accounts that make you feel anxious, and replace them with wellness-focused content or educational material that adds value.
- Engage in Offline Activities – Replace mindless scrolling with reading, outdoor activities, or social interactions that nurture real-world connections.
- Adopt a Morning Routine Without Screens – Instead of waking up to a flurry of notifications, start the day with meditation, light exercise, or journaling to set a calmer tone for the day.
Final Thoughts
While technology has its benefits, unchecked digital consumption may be harming your mental health more than you realise. As anxiety rates continue to climb, experts at Ski Vertigo emphasise that taking control of your screen time can be a simple yet powerful step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.
So the next time you catch yourself endlessly scrolling, ask yourself: is this making me feel better—or worse? A small change in habit today could lead to a significant improvement in your mental well-being tomorrow.