😰 Stress and burnout are major issues that impact overall health and performance, and our chief of people Jeanne Wisniewski, ACC has seen to it that we build in stress relief, mindfulness and social wellness programs organically across the company. Emails and Pop ups can be annoying and make things worse. There is design thinking in cascading best practices, and best workforce support!
💎 We now have Wellness Wednesdays and use the topic to influence leaders having a topic of reference to every employee they touch.
⚡ As an example, today’s Wellness Wednesday is about “Digital Detox”!
To the extent helpful, here are some Digital Detox pearls that can help your teams. And yes, this doctor needs to take some of this medicine too 😊.
"Digital Detox." We live in a digital age where looking at screens is unavoidable. However, we have the power to manage the time we look at screens and the quality of the content we consume to positively impact our mental health and overall social wellness.
Why Consider a Digital Detox?
The content we consume can impact our mental health, and influx of constant notifications can increase stress and anxiety levels.
😴 Enhance Sleep Quality: Devices that emit blue light suppress melatonin and disrupt sleep cycles, impacting memory and learning. Reducing screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep quality and memory retention.
🤝 Strengthen Relationships: Less screen time means more opportunities for face-to-face interactions, leading to stronger personal relationships and more meaningful conversations.
💪 Improve Physical Health: Reducing screen time can also alleviate eye strain and headaches. Looking at the phone, can often make us bend our necks or back affecting posture. Reducing screen time can alleviate issues like neck and back pain associated with poor posture.
🍏 Spark Creativity & Productivity: Fewer digital interruptions mean more space for creativity and a greater focus on productivity. Engaging in hands-on activities can rejuvenate your mind and increase your presence in the moment.
Ready for a Digital Detox?
- Set Clear Boundaries
Establish times of the day or even areas of your home where you won't use any digital devices, such as during meals or the first and last hour of your day.
- Set specific times to catch up on updates.
Consider using apps that track and limit your screen time to help you reduce and track your usage.
- Engage in Offline Activities
Whether you like to read, cook, craft, or run – take time for a hobby you love or would love to discover in lieu of spending time viewing a screen.
Spending time in nature by hiking, biking, or simply walking in a park can have a calming effect and improve mental well-being.
- Mindfulness and Meditation
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to help reduce the urge to check your devices constantly.
- Take moments throughout the day to be present and mindful, appreciating your surroundings and interactions.