Mind Over Technology: Boosting Your Mental Wellness in a Digital World

By: Sonia Cherian

As students, technology is a part of our daily lives. From online classes to social media, we are constantly plugged in. But how does all this screen time affect our mental health and wellness? Let's take a closer look at the impact of technology on our well-being. Here are a few thought-provoking questions to get the conversation started.

Why do you use technology?

Think about how you spend your time online. Are you using technology for school, entertainment, communication, or something else? Take a closer look at the different categories and consider if there are any you'd like to prioritize more or less in the future.

Are you in control of your technology use?

With all the notifications, ads, and distractions, it can be easy to lose track of time while using technology. Are you frequently finding yourself scrolling through social media instead of working on assignments? It may be time to set some boundaries and stay focused on what's important.

How can you set healthy technology boundaries?

Creating good habits and using digital tools can help you establish healthy technology boundaries. For example, try not to watch Netflix while doing homework to improve your focus and quality of work. To make it easier, use apps like Apple's ScreenTime or SelfControl for PC/Mac to limit your time on specific apps and websites. Over time, these habits can become second nature and you may not need the extra support from these apps anymore.

What websites or apps are causing you stress?

Think about how different websites and apps make you feel. Do any of them add stress or negativity to your life? If so, consider reducing the amount of time you spend on them or finding alternative sources for news and social interaction.

Technology is a double-edged sword that can both positively and negatively impact our mental health and wellness. By being mindful of our reasons for using technology, setting healthy boundaries, and being aware of the websites and apps that cause stress, we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship with technology and prioritize our mental well-being. Remember, technology should serve us, not the other way around. So, let's use technology to our advantage and make it work for us in the pursuit of better mental health and wellness.

For more tips and resources on digital wellness, check out #ICANHELP’s Digital Wellness Training and join our community of kindness on social media (IG, Twitter, TikTok). Let's take control of our technology use and prioritize our mental health and wellness.