I used to lose hours to my phone, constantly distracted by social media and notifications. These bad digital habits drained my focus, and productivity, and even damaged personal relationships. It wasn’t until I realized how much time I was wasting that I decided to make a change.
Adopting healthy digital habits became a game-changer. By being mindful of my screen time, I regained control of my focus, improved my sleep, and reconnected with what truly mattered. At the present time, developing healthy digital habits isn’t just important—it’s essential. Without them, we risk letting technology control us, rather than using it to improve our lives.
How to Build Healthy Digital Habits?
Establishing healthy digital habits can be tough, but it’s crucial. With over 294 million smartphone users in America, 48% of whom admit to phone addiction, our digital habits significantly shape our daily lives. Poor habits lead to health issues, including eye strain and migraines, affecting over 27% of people. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation reports that 51% of those who use phones before bed experience poor sleep quality. Understanding the pros and cons of internet use is essential to support a healthier lifestyle and break bad tech habits. Here are 7 digital habits you can start practicing.
Seven Steps To Develop Healthy Digital Habits
1. Allocate Time Away from Screens
We all know that digital devices can be both helpful and harmful. But how do we ensure we’re not spending too much time glued to screens?
Set boundaries!
It’s easier said than done, but even taking small steps will help, and your brain (and eyes) will appreciate it.
Here’s where to begin:
- Hold off on opening social media until after lunch.
- Schedule specific times to check your emails.
- Take an evening walk with a friend instead of binge-watching Netflix.
With time, you’ll find the right balance between online and offline activities, leading to a more productive and rewarding life.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Keeping notifications ON lowers your concentration. Create space to focus by turning off notifications and signing out of social media. This will improve the quality of your work, making it more fulfilling and enjoyable.
3. Power Down Devices an Hour Before Sleep
All screens give off light that can interfere with your sleep. Try taking a break from screens before bed and turning off your phone to avoid being disturbed by messages. Inform your friends about this habit so they won’t be surprised if they don’t receive a response until the next morning.
Also Read: Best Friendship Apps for Teens to Meet New People
4. Prioritize Data Protection
Unfortunately, deception and fraud are all too common on the internet. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your data security. Fortunately, keeping your information safe isn’t overly complicated:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account and update them regularly: Avoid simple passwords like “12345.” Create complex ones with a combination of numbers and symbols to make them harder to guess.
- Be cautious with suspicious emails or pop-ups requesting personal information: Don’t fall for the common “Your account is compromised, click here to provide your details” scam. Always verify if a site has security certifications and encryption before entering any personal data.
- Invest in reliable anti-virus software: Nobody wants their computer to be infected with a virus that could leak sensitive information. Ensure you have a trustworthy antivirus program to prevent such risks.
5. Simplify Your Phone Usage
In the days of flip phones and before social media, life was less complex with fewer distractions and much less screen time. To mimic that you need keep only the essential apps and set your phone aside for most of the day. Essentially, use your smartphone as if it were a basic phone.
Besides, consider incorporating apps that promote mindfulness and well-being, such as meditation apps or gratitude apps, to help you focus on positive aspects of your life rather than falling into the trap of endless scrolling.
6. Lower Screen Brightness
Have you ever experienced eye itchiness especially if you have spent the whole day staring at the computer screen or your phone? This is probably because your screen brightness was set at a high level.
Gazing at the computer screen and watching TV for several consecutive hours may cause the eyes to dry up and become weary. In this case, reducing the light seems to come with the benefit of safeguarding the eye in the long run.
In addition, cutting down on screen brightness also works to conserve a device’s battery life, or in other words, avoid running for a power outlet in the middle of a search –another super helpful tip to increase productivity.
7. Be Mindful Consumers of Media
Misinformation (unintentional sharing of incorrect details) and disinformation (deliberate spread of false information), often called fake news, have infiltrated social media worldwide and caused severe damage to the social cohesion that unites us.
Broadly, fake news involves misrepresentation, distortion, and highly biased reporting of unverified facts as if they were legitimate news. Misinformation has sparked numerous incidents of violence and unrest, highlighting the need for younger generations to avoid bad content and be more discerning when consuming information and data from social media.
Final words
Creating good digital habits by using digital devices is not a mere fad, it is something that is crucial for all. With technology now taking a central place in people’s lives, it becomes paramount to strike a balance with the health of the body and mind.
It emphasizes that it is possible to take back control of one’s digital world by making changes in our habits and interactions on a daily basis (for example, limiting time spent in front of screens, controlling notifications, and protecting our information). These activities help increase efficiency and improve our lives by embracing technology as a means of development rather than consuming most of our time.
About the Author: Muhammad Moazzan
