Digital Wellness is more than just managing your screen time.

It is the pursuit of an intentional and healthy relationship with technology as well as the quality of your body and mind in the tech age.

Digital wellness is also a part of digital citizenship. For examples:

• Digital literacy, protect yourself and others from exploitation or fraud
• Balance online and offline life, live your life instead of scrolling social media
• Engage others in a positive and healthy manner online
• Online is like drama/movie sometimes, hard-to-reach standards of beauty, fitness, and personality are not realistic

Digital health problems can affect anybody between digital natives and digital immigrants.

In this post, you’ll learn digital wellbeing practices.

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#1 Stay Away from Facebook

Facebook can be a great tool for keeping in touch with people. However, if you post for likes, feel like a duty to see what others are doing, or become almost obsessed with knowing exactly what’s going on everywhere, then it may be the time for taking a little break from Facebook.

What to do instead of Facebook?

Make popcorn, watch a movie/series at home!

My favorite series is HANNA by Amazon Prime Video. The Amazon Prime membership includes access to thousands of movies and TV shows for streaming on Prime Video. While the overall selection of original series on Amazon Prime Video isn’t as huge as you will find on Netflix, Amazon seems to be going for quality rather than quantity. Find a good quality movie/series, so you can forget about Facebook!

#2 Digital Literacy

Scams can happen to anyone, and sadly they’re on the rise. Scammers use elaborate stories to play on emotions and gain trust.

Here are some warning signs: (1)

• Imposter: “I’m with the IRS, and you owe back taxes. If not paid immediately, a lawsuit will be filed against you.”
• Online Romance: “I want to meet you in person, but I can’t afford to travel. Can you send me money?”
• Grandchildren-ish: “Grandma, I’m in trouble. I need money fast.”
• Lottery Winnings: “Congratulations! You’ve won the lottery! We will need to collect taxes prior to your payment. I will send you the instructions to get this done.”
• Investment Opportunity: “You’ve registered to receive notifications on investment opportunities. Are you ready to invest? I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
• Tech Support: “We’ve detected malware on your computer. Let’s get that fixed for you. There will be a small cost associated to make your computer secure.”

How to protect yourself from scammers?

Always be suspicious of calls, emails, texts, or any communication you receive from someone you don’t know!

When someone asks for money or personal information, STOP at first. Think twice. Don’t give money or personal information such as your Social Security Number, credit or debit card number, or bank account number to strangers. It’s not normal.

Moreover, check your credit score once in a while. If there is suspicious movement in your credit history, you can prepare for it. I use Credit Karma because it’s a free credit score report.

Related Post: How to Check Your Credit Score and Report

#3 Experience More

The most valuable contribution of experience comes from the self-awareness it gives you!

In addition, some research showed that experience matters more than education.

How to get more experience?

• Travel
• Learn new things like language or skillset
• Volunteer
• Read/watch leadership experts
• Reflect and take notes
• Entrepreneurial/self-employed jobs (this is fun!)
• Temporary work

#4 Sleep

Sad news! Being plugged into devices, on an almost continuous basis, directly affects the brain.

Continual exposure to information, images, and sounds keep the brain in a state of constant stimulation, making it difficult for the brain to get the downtime it needs to recharge. (2) Develop healthy sleeping habits! Turn off/stay away from your devices while you are sleeping.

#5 Tech-Free Time

Establish a tech-free time for at least an hour, such as at the dinner table or at family gatherings. I know it’s difficult but try little by little.

Wrapping Up

Studies show the average American over age 14 now engages with screens more than 10 hours a day. (3)

Yes, it’s difficult to live without technology. Therefore, we need to keep maintain a good balance between technology and our lives.

Now it’s your turn! What is your digital wellness solution? Do you set screen time? Do you work out instead of social media? Find the best balance with technology that feels right for you.

References

1. Chase. (n.d.). Help keep your money and personal information safe. Security tips | Chase.com. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.chase.com/personal/security-tips
2. Net Nanny. Lauren B. Stevens. 6 Ways to Find Balance in a World of Tech Addiction. Retrieved Oct 22, 2019, from https://www.netnanny.com/blog/6-ways-to-find-balance-in-a-world-of-tech-addiction/
3. Biola. Doreen Dodgen-Magee. How Can We Balance Life and Technology in a Digital World? Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-magazine/2019/how-can-we-balance-life-and-technology-in-a-digita