DIGITAL WELLNESS
The Importance Of Digital Wellness
With technology evolving , a new type of obsession is upon us . Nowadays , teens and adults alike are staring into their screens 24 / 7 . Don ’ t get us wrong . Digital tools are powerful and necessary . But as much as technology has advantages , it also has drawbacks . This is what birthed the importance of digital wellness .
WHAT IS DIGITAL WELLNESS ?
Digital wellness is the intentional pursuit of a healthier relationship with technology . We were talking about digital wellness during , and hopefully , well before the pandemic . Seeing how technology has crept its way into our lives more and more over the past five , ten , even twenty years , it ’ s important to be mindful . Mindfulness is something to focus on , not just with technology but in every aspect of our lives . You need to be mindful of how you use digital tools , particularly when it is work related and its use has a purposeful meaning behind it . If technology is used in a way that it ’ s not meant to be used , it can quickly take over our lives .
THREE STEPS TO DIGITAL WELLNESS
The following three steps have proven to be helpful when it comes to digital wellbeing :
First , sit down without technology , maybe with a journal , and think about what is truly important to you . To some people , it is relationships ; to others , it is work achievements or recognition ; to others , it could be philanthropy . It differs from person to person . The catch here is that digital tools are often needed to service these values . What you can do is make rules for yourself that can stand as a checkpoint whenever you go to use technology for this purpose .
Next , choose one digital tool to take a step back from or be more mindful about . For example , you may decide that there will be no devices at meal times . This gives you room to connect with whomever you are eating with . Another common one is no devices at bedtime .
Third , have an accountability partner , someone to check in with and help you stick with your goals . Make sure to choose someone that will actually help you out . This could be a friend , a mentor , or even your kids . You ’ d be surprised at how setting a no-device-during-mealtime rule or maybe a device-free time frame for your family can make you all digitally well . This also sets an example for your kids and gives them good habits to emulate .
People who have been on their devices 24 / 7 might feel lost without them . Well , there are quite a number of analog things you can do . You could read a book , go for a walk , or even just hang out with a friend in person . By doing these things , you ’ ll find yourself killing two birds with one stone . Especially when it comes to exercising , you will notice you are working towards a healthier lifestyle all around .
As much as technology has come to stay and may make life easier , we should be mindful about the way our time and energy is spent . Ask your Atlas advisor for more tips on how to improve your digital wellness as well as your family ’ s . +
BY : LAUREN ESPOSO SENIOR BENEFIT ANALYST & OPERATIONS MANAGER ATLAS INSURANCE AGENCY
As Senior Benefit Analyst & Operations Manager at Atlas Insurance Agency , Lauren develops , analyzes and maintains client utilization and financial reporting . With over 12 years of insurance industry experience , she is also a liaison with service providers and carriers in business planning and benefit program interpretation .
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