Taking A Moment Break From The Pressure Of Information Flows, UGM Psychologists Express Effective Ways To Prevent Stress

Illustration of stress reading the swift flow of information. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - In the digital era, the flow of information is moving so fast and relentlessly. Social media, news portals, and online conversations make everyone seem required to continue to follow the latest developments.

However, the swiftness of this information often creates emotional pressure, ranging from feeling overwhelmed, anxious, to excessive stress.

Clinical psychologist who graduated from Gajah Mada University (UGM), Zahrah Nabila Putri, emphasized the importance of taking breaks and opening up to various forms of mental support, both personally and collectively.

"What we need to appreciate from the current collective movement is the openness of the community to access various forms of assistance available," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

He gave an example, this support can come from free counseling services by psychological institutions, professional mental health communities, to meditation and silence sessions that are carried out together.

According to the psychologist who is familiarly called Ara, the courage to pause for a moment and make room for mental health is an important step, especially in the midst of stressful conditions.

The desire to continue to digest and spread the latest information on social media can drain energy if done without limits. Rehat and seek help, in my opinion, is also a form of resistance. We can again reflect, whether the emotions that arise are angry, sad, or actually overwhelmed because of such great collective energy," he explained.

Ara also emphasized that the body and mind have the right to rest from the flow of information that is rolling so quickly. According to him, rest is not a setback, but a part of productivity.

"Rest is something sacred, productive, at the same time meaningful. Even as simple as taking a deep breath, it's very valuable for us," he said.

In addition, he reminded the importance of maintaining self-interconnection: understanding, receiving, and interpreting every emotion slowly. Physical support is no less important, such as adequate water intake, nutrition, and maintaining a simple routine.

Ara added that relationships with those closest to you still need to be maintained, while training yourself to measure energy capacity that can be devoted every day, including when choosing to be involved on social media.

"Awareness of our self-capacity makes us not trapped in the fear of being left behind in information, which is a source of anxiety, worry, and even fear," he concluded.