Digital Wellness for Everyone

Digital stress is stress caused by negative interactions in emails, texts, social media, chat rooms and forums. One type of stress is often seen as expression of hostility, meanness and cruelty. Another type of digital stress is the stress of navigating closeness in relationships such as feeling smothered when someone keeps sending you emails constantly. 

Digital distraction is a situation where one is distracted by a technology device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, tablet) while engaging in another activity. How many times do you find yourself looking at your phone when someone else is speaking to you?  The best way to fight digital distraction may be through the use of digital tools. 

1. Plan your screen time and add breaks in your day.
2. Take advantage of the Do Not Disturb Feature on your device
3. Test out the Pomodoro Technique. It is a time management technique. Start out with a to-do list, choose an item, set a timer for 25 minutes, and immerse yourself in the activity until the timer rings. Record your progress and take a short break as a reward. This technique is a way to stay focused on the task. 
4. Communicate to other people that you are working. Let them know you are free.
5. Try out a deep focused playlist. Choose music without lyrics or voices. 

Here are some ideas to minimize your digital stress

1. Go on a digital detox.
2. Set clear social media usage boundaries for yourself.
3. Re-balance your work, school, and home life.
4. Audit your social media feed.
5. Find an app: use technology to your advantage.