It’s during times like these that things are really put into perspective – when we start to realise what’s actually important and what is not. The current situation has taught us that the physical time we spend with the people closest to us is invaluable and should be cherished. Yet, how many times do we find ourselves in our loved ones’ company and staring at a screen rather than engaging in conversation?

Prior to Covid-19, mobile phone addiction and technology dependency was on the rise. Now given the fact that our normal routines are out of sync, with people having so much more time on their hands, people are slipping into toxic digital habits. Our research is showing that people are on average currently spending over of 5 hours per day on their mobile phones, scrolling through social media looking at photos and stories.

Let’s put that in perspective. 5 hours per day equates to 35 hours per week, which is 140 hours per month. We’ll not calculate how much time that is per year as the number is already huge. The thing that we must realise is that this time is taking the place of time that could be spent learning a new skill or reading a book, or even learning a new recipe for example. That time could be spent more effectively to improve ourselves in many aspects.

Now, the positive news is that we are completely in control of the role that technology plays in our life, and we have the power to shape that. There is no doubt that technology is very useful in keeping us updated on the current situation, but we must manage that technology and flow of information, and make sure that it’s helping us to achieve our goals, rather than distracting us and hindering us from chasing after our dreams.

Here are some simple but effective tips that can help to build a more mindful and healthy relationship with technology:

• Log out of Social Media apps:

The need to sign in every time an app is opened acts as a deterrent to clicking into the app. By limiting the time spent on social media, we are then more productive and can devote our time to more value adding tasks.

• Consume Information from Reliable Sources:

Placing importance on only consuming content from reliable sources helps to form an educated opinion, and will therefore help to control anxiety levels.

• Implement a No Phone Zone:

To do our best work we require optimal focus and concentration. Therefore, it is important to create periods of time where the phone is completely out of sight so that we can focus 100% on the task at hand.

• Leave Phone outside the Bedroom:

The emission of blue light from our phone plays havoc on our internal body clock by increasing alertness and causes difficulty in falling asleep. Ideally there should be no mobile phone usage at least 30mins prior to bedtime, and the phone should be placed outside the bedroom.

• Control Your FOMO:

The fear of missing out is a key driver of digital behaviour as people constantly want to see what others are doing. However, be rest assured, nobody is doing anything exciting these days so use this time to gain control over your FOMO and start to build good habits now.

We are currently being reminded about how precious and short life is, therefore we can’t afford to spend excessive time on our mobile phones nor can we afford to allow them to impact our health and wellbeing. It’s now time to take back control.

Going forward the ability to manage digital distraction will become a critical skill, and we would love to help you to develop it. Check us out on www.digitalwellbeing.ie, or contact us on info@digitalwellbeing.ie to find out more. We would be delighted to hear from you.

In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy.

DigitalWellbeing.ie

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