"Hummingbird Healthcare Perspective on Mental Clarity in the Digital Age"
Let’s be honest—technology is in every corner of my life. From answering emails and managing social media to writing this blog post and checking recipes on Instagram, I am constantly toggling between tabs. And while I appreciate the convenience, I also notice that my mind often feels scattered, like I’m everywhere and nowhere at once. Sound familiar?
If you're anything like me or the women I work with at Hummingbird Healthcare, you’ve likely felt this mental fatigue too. Many of them come to me feeling foggy, unfocused, or newly diagnosed with adult ADHD. While hormonal imbalances do play a role in cognitive shifts, I’ve seen firsthand that even with optimized estrogen levels, something still feels off. That “off” might just be what’s being called Digital Dementia.
What Is Digital Dementia?
Also known as digital amnesia or the Google effect, Digital Dementia refers to cognitive decline including memory issues, difficulty concentrating and reduced mental flexibility caused by excessive reliance on technology. Research increasingly shows that frequent smartphone and device use can impair working memory and attention span, leading to increased forgetfulness and mental fatigue.
I’m not here to vilify tech. In fact, I couldn’t do my job without it. We need technology—it connects us, organizes us, even protects our health. But like anything, too much of it without boundaries comes at a cost.
How Tech Affects the Brain
It’s not just about screen time. The constant mental switching from texts to emails to apps keeps our brains in a state of hyper-alertness. Even just seeing your phone, whether it’s buzzing or not, is a cognitive trigger: reminders of tasks, messages and to-do lists that you haven’t tackled yet. Over time, this digital clutter contributes to burnout, irritability, poor sleep and, yes, that infamous brain fog.
If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram while half-watching a show and simultaneously thinking about your grocery list, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
So What Can We Do About Digital Dementia?
Let me be clear—the goal isn’t to abandon technology, but to create a balanced relationship with it. At Hummingbird Healthcare, I encourage clients to be intentional about screen time and to support brain health holistically.
Here are a few of my favorite tools to counteract Digital Dementia:
1. Create Intentional Tech Breaks
Set aside two hours, twice a week, to completely unplug. No screens. No background noise. Just you and the outdoors. Go for a walk, garden, or simply sit in the sun. In Japan, doctors prescribe “forest bathing,” literally just being in nature. Listen. Breathe. Feel. The simplicity is powerful.
2. Learn to Be Alone with Your Thoughts
When was the last time you sat in silence with no distractions? Try sitting quietly for one hour without anything to do. Boredom resets the brain and sparks creativity. After that hour, journal what came up. You might be surprised by the clarity it brings.
3. Keep Phones Out of the Bedroom
If you're using your phone as an alarm, it’s time for an upgrade. There are so many beautiful, gentle alarm clocks out there—some that use light, some that mimic the sounds of singing bowls. Make waking up a peaceful experience. Your brain will thank you.
4. Limit Notifications
Audit your notification settings. Turn off anything non-essential. Every ping or badge pulls you into a distraction loop. Create control over when and how you engage with your devices.
Withdrawal Is Real—But Worth It
At first, cutting back on tech can feel uncomfortable. I’ve had clients say it gave them anxiety at first. But over time, the mental fog lifts. You sleep better. Your focus returns. You start to feel more grounded and present. I’ve experienced it myself.
Remember, the brain is adaptable. With a little discipline and self-awareness, we can retrain it to thrive in the digital world, without becoming overwhelmed by it.
Let’s Talk About Your Mind
Have you noticed a change in your memory or focus? Do you feel like your thoughts are fragmented? You’re not alone and you don’t have to keep pushing through it.
At Hummingbird Healthcare, I work with clients who want to regain clarity, reconnect with their body and mind and optimize their health from the inside out including cognitive wellness. Whether it’s Digital Dementia, hormonal imbalances, or the many ways our lifestyle affects brain function, I’d love to help.
Ready to Clear the Fog?
Let’s start a conversation. Have you tried cutting back on screen time? What’s helped you stay present? Email me at mindy@hummingbirdhealthcare.com—I’d love to hear from you.
Want to work together one-on-one? You can book your appointment online here: Schedule Now
