Before we talk about what digital wellbeing is, first, let’s talk about what it is not;
It’s not taking ten days offline, meditating in an ashram.
It’s not removing yourself from social media networks.
And it’s not a mass technology ban.
Simply put, it is feeling well, while connected (digitally).
Our mental, emotional, and physical health is impacted by the time we spend online. By considering our relationship to technology we can develop healthier habits for an improved quality of life. Considering your digital wellbeing or digital nutrition is not unlike considering your diet, and it’s just as important. it’s about consuming what is good for you and paying attention to how you feel on a day-to-day basis.
The Physical Side Effects Of Digital Overload: you might also notice that your posture has become hunched and your neck aches a little more than last year. These might not seem like overly serious complaints and they wouldn’t be if they were temporary or the only side effects. With a year of ongoing lockdowns, most people are online more than ever. Too much tech consumption should come with a health warning like we now see on cigarette packets, partly because it allows a sedentary lifestyle. When we sit for an extended period our muscle strength reduces dramatically. When we don’t move enough we also increase our risk of many chronic illnesses.
The Mental Health Side Effects Of Digital Overload: More and more research is proving that a heavy reliance on technology is leading to an increase in attention-deficit trait across all demographics. It has been proven that technology is highly addictive and negatively impacts our intelligence. So, yes – our smartphones are making us stupid.
Take ownership of your time online. This will change your relationship with tech and put the power back in your hands (and your mind!). Become very intentional, and conscious about your tech usage.
You can’t do the big things if you are always distracted by the small ones.
The recent move by the Irish government to legalise our right to disconnect is very positive. Organisations and individuals must introduce healthy tech boundaries so that we focus on what matters. While working with some of Ireland’s best-known tech companies I’ve learned that increased time online doesn’t lead people to increase productivity. That’s not to say that technology isn’t useful, it is. However, our relationship with our devices, (like all our relationships) requires a little or as the case may be, a lot of work.
Below is a short guide to help you gain control of yours. I hope you find it helpful.
