Claire Gardener, Senior Learning Technologist
In Brief
As technology becomes more and more integral to everything we do, it can sometimes distract us from the things that matter most to us. It is important to maintain a health work/study life balance.
Top tips include,
- Try to focus time spent with technology.
Reflect on how you use the device. E.g try simplifying screens or set boundaries for yourself on certain app usage
- Unplug / switch off more often
Set bedtime or wind down routines.
- Minimise distractions
Disable notifications
- Be mindful of others
Save drafts or delay delivery for email until the recipients’ normal business hours.
Digital Wellbeing Explained
The above are examples of Digital wellbeing
Digital wellbeing is often defined in terms of the capabilities and skills that an individual requires to successfully make use of digital technologies. The Jisc Six Elements of Digital Literacy identifies the following capabilities as being essential for digital wellbeing:
- look after personal health, safety, relationships and work-life balance in digital settings;
- use digital tools in pursuit of personal goals (eg health and fitness) and to participate in social and community activities;
- act safely and responsibly in digital environments;
- negotiate and resolve conflict;
- manage digital workload, overload and distraction;
- act with concern for the human and natural environment when using digital tools.
This all requires an understanding of the benefits and risks of digital participation in relation to health and wellbeing outcomes (JISC, 2019).