Episode 8: The Hidden Cost of Distraction: Mindfulness, Mental Health, and Breaking Free from Technology Addiction

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In this deeply personal and important episode of Psychology for Students, Professor Jeff Hastings shares a heartfelt message that every student—and really, every person living in today’s high-tech, low-touch world—needs to hear.

We often think of addiction as something that only applies to drugs or alcohol. But what if one of the most dangerous addictions of our generation is the one we carry in our pockets every day?

Technology addiction is real. It rewires the brain, hijacks your focus, damages your mental health, and quietly steals the most important moments of your life—your relationships, your peace of mind, your sense of purpose.

But there’s hope. In this episode, we explore the science behind how chronic stress and distraction impact your nervous system, how trauma gets stored in your body, and how mindfulness can help reset your baseline, allowing your brain and body to heal.

Professor Hastings also shares practical strategies to break free from the anxiety cycle caused by disorganization and overwhelm. Learn the power of daily task lists, healthy scheduling habits, and simple gratitude practices that can help you lower stress, improve your focus, and reclaim control over your life.

If you’ve ever felt anxious, disconnected, or stuck in a loop of procrastination and stress… this episode is for you.

Stay tuned after the episode for a five-minute guided meditation by Lavendaire, designed to help you relax, reset, and begin your day with positive energy.

Because healing is possible. Happiness is possible. And you are worth the work it takes to get there.

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