How to Reset Your Mental Health: Phone, Sleep, and Relationships Under the Microscope
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Batya L. Ludman offers practical advice for a better quality of life through changing daily habits.
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Batya L. Ludman offers practical advice for a better quality of life through changing daily habits.
In an era of constant connectivity and daily stress, the question of quality of life is becoming increasingly important. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Batya L. Ludman, in her column for The Jerusalem Post published on August 2, 2026, offers a kind of guide to a mental reset. She emphasizes re-examining our relationship with technology, sleep, diet, and interpersonal relationships, with the goal of not necessarily living longer, but better.
Dr. Ludman warns of the negative impact of smartphones on our ability to focus and the quality of our relationships. She points out that constant connectivity has, for many, developed symptoms similar to attention deficit disorder and addictive behavior. "Do you control your phone, or does it control you?" the psychologist asks in her piece for The Jerusalem Post. As a personal example, she notes that she keeps her phone on silent most of the time, turns off notifications, and sets a seven-hour "do not disturb" mode every night.
The psychologist admits that she has finally accepted that she needs more than six hours of sleep to function better. She emphasizes that sleep becomes increasingly important with age, and lost hours cannot be made up. For optimal rest, she recommends a dark, quiet, and cool room, as well as putting the phone away before going to bed. As a technique to fall asleep more easily, she suggests the mantra: "Don't think, or you won't get a wink of sleep." She also advises writing down everything that troubles you before bed and reminding yourself that those stressors are not relevant at three in the morning.
When it comes to eating habits, Dr. Ludman reveals that she practices a Mediterranean diet with an emphasis on fish and avoids late meals, although she admits to being a chocolate lover herself. She stresses the importance of gentle exercise for emotional and physical health, especially spending time in nature. She also warns of the problem of reduced mobility in older adults, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Regarding health issues and memory problems, she advises making lists for better organization, but also insists on talking to a doctor if you notice more serious problems.
In the segment on relationships, the psychologist calls for reflection on what we would like to change in our communication with family, friends, and community. "Feeling heard, understood, valued, and respected greatly contributes to happiness and quality of life," writes Dr. Ludman. She particularly addresses coping with loss and the challenges of aging, highlighting the opportunity to share wisdom and life experience with others.
As a key ingredient for a better life, she highlights a mindset filled with gratitude, optimism, curiosity, and purpose. Reflecting on the current situation in Israel, with threats of attacks and upcoming elections, Dr. Ludman concludes with a call for unity. "If we can truly treat others with the respect they deserve and that we would want shown to us, we will live a better life-making us a light unto the nations," she said in her column.
Dr. Batya L. Ludman is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Ra'anana and co-author of the book 'The Jewish Journey through Loss: From Death to Healing.' She has been writing about psychology for The Jerusalem Post since 2000.
