How to Maintain Digital Balance
Why Digital Balance and Wellness Matters
Be honest. In the last 30 days, how many times have you had the TV on, laptop or tablet open, and been scrolling on your phone at the same time? In this data-driven, digitally connected world, it’s nearly impossible to disconnect completely, but finding ways to balance your digital lives is critical to your well-being.
While “digital wellness” sounds like a buzzword (and an impossibility to boot!) there are some small changes you can make to ensure your devices are working for you while giving yourself the breaks you need.
The overarching solution is to create boundaries that make sustaining attention easier. Instead of trying to eliminate technology (not realistic), build periods into your day when you decide what deserves your attention.
Allow those moments to get your WHOLE attention without giving yourself easy opportunities to switch focus. And, when you feel the temptation to open a new tab, grab another device, or multitask, clock it, breathe, and consciously stick with what you’re doing. This will be the start to a strong foundation of healthy tech habits.
Practical Steps to Build Digital Wellness Habits:
- Use technology with a purpose. Before opening an app, think “Why am I opening this app right now?” If you can’t answer positively, don’t open it.
- Schedule distraction-free periods. Start with 25 minutes of focused attention and gradually increase the “time box” to longer blocks for more demanding work.
- Have analog mornings. Avoid checking messages, emails, or (eeek!) the news for a short period after waking. Ideally, get some actual sunlight before you unlock your screens.
- Organize your digital environment. Group apps by purpose and remove feeds or tools that regularly pull you into timewasting or mindless scrolling.
- Batch notifications. Set time aside to respond to emails and work messages rather than stopping good progress to reply immediately.
The goal of digital wellness is to use technology intentionally so that your devices serve your goals rather than serving to distract you. AI assistants, apps, and everyone on our social feeds are constantly competing for our attention, but often their helpful intentions just get us off our paths.
When you feel the urge to jump ship to a new tab/app/device, take a breath, get some sun, and refocus.
_______________________________________________________________________________
DRN ReadiTech can help you find a digital balance.
Manage your home’s Wi-Fi and internet access with basic security and parental controls with the FREE DRN ReadiTech Wi-Fi App.
OR use the Ultimate Wi-Fi App to use enhanced parental controls, reflect on usage history, set time limits, and more to guide your digital wellness.
View a comparison of Basic Managed Wi-Fi and Ultimate Wi-Fi below!