Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world today and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we’re discussing how technology plays a significant role in wellness and sharing tips on healthy ways to use it.

We are surrounded by technology from the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep. As much as we talk about mental and physical wellness, don’t you think it’s time to check on our digital wellness, too?

Lately, consumers have become increasingly aware of what is good and bad for them, actively seeking ways to make their daily lives healthier by embracing the concept of wellness. Companies across industries have tapped into this conversation, making big bucks from it; tech companies are no different. They understand customers’ interest in wellness and digital wellness and how far customers will go for it, actively trying to monetize these trends. But even tech products marketed as health gadgets or apps may not be entirely healthy. It’s up to us, as consumers, to research and understand what’s beneficial and worth the money.

I’m no wellness expert, but there are a few things we can be mindful of when it comes to tech and digital wellness. Let’s discuss some simple daily habits that can kick-start our digital wellness journey.

1. No tech in the morning

This is hard, I know. Many of us start our mornings with a daily dose of social media. Gone are the days when the sun used to wake our ancestors up; these days, it’s just the glaring light of our phone screens.

Waking up to a flood of information first thing in the morning is not a good idea. It overwhelms your brain. There is a chance you’ll see negative news or something unpleasant, setting a sour tone for the rest of the day. Moreover, if you come across a text or email that needs a response, you’ll feel an immediate urge to reply, or your mind will keep dwelling on it until it’s done.

Julie Morgenstern, author of Never Check Email in the Morning, explains that “those requests and those interruptions and those unexpected surprises and those reminders and problems are endless … there is very little that cannot wait a minimum of 59 minutes.”

2. Radiation is bad for you

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the radio frequency range as Group 2B carcinogens, meaning they are possibly linked to cancer in humans. These EMFs are emitted by everyday electronic devices such as cell phones, smart gadgets, and tablets.

We’ve all heard about the risks of radiation and ignored them at some point. Don’t worry, I did too, but not anymore. The radiation frequencies emitted from our devices are potential carcinogens, but there are a few simple ways to reduce our exposure for better digital wellness:

  • Make it a point to text more than you call, and when you do call, use wired headphones or put your phone on speakerphone.

  • Keep your phone out of the bedroom or at least off your bed.

  • Avoid keeping your phone close to your body; keep it in a bag or place it on a desk and try to avoid skin contact whenever possible.

These are simple habits we can adopt quickly, but we often overlook them due to ignorance.

3. Practice a digital detox

As we are constantly surrounded by technology, we should schedule regular breaks and try to function without it for a day or over the weekend.

Make it a practice to reconnect with your loved ones without relying on technology. Even a few hours of detox can be extremely helpful and calming, providing a nice break from all the notifications vying for your attention.

You could read a book, go for a walk, and cultivate nourishing habits away from technology. This approach is not only beneficial for your mental health but it also nurtures good leisure habits that positively affect your physical health.

A final word

There’s so much to learn about wellness and digital wellness. The tips I have shared here merely scratch the surface. There’s a lot more to know and understand about digital wellness that can positively impact your life. My takeaway for you is to not be complacent or ignorant but to ask why. Take the right steps toward wellness instead of following the herd mentality and blindly doing what everyone else is doing.