How To Build Healthy Digital Habits For a Productive Workday

Today’s technology is continually advancing and changing to fit our evolving needs. In our current era of computers, smartphones, tablets and screens, it’s important now more than ever to be aware of how technology impacts our work lives and everyday routines. Check out these three easy ways to build and maintain healthy digital habits that will lead to a more productive workday:

Recognize Your Media Use

A key first step in building healthy digital habits is to recognize your digital media usage. According to a 2018 Nielsen Company audience report, the average person in the United States spends approximately 10 hours and 39 minutes on a screen each day – a number that continues to rise every year. To start, map out what screen activities your standard workday typically includes. Do you find that your media usage is constructive? Is there too much unproductive media consumption, such as personal texts or social media usage, that leads to disruption and distraction during your workday? Being aware of your digital habits will help you find the right balance and stay in control.

Set a “Do Not Disturb”

If you are the type of efficient person who stays on top of every phone notification, consider using your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature when you need to focus on other tasks. With one quick tap in your settings, this feature can hide all notifications so you won’t see them on your screen. Eliminating those nonstop phone dings and texts can help you concentrate and ultimately boost your productivity. You could also use this method with your email. Try blocking off specific times to check your email rather than having a constant flow of interruptions.

Get a Full Night of Sleep

According to a health article published by Harvard Medical School, the blue light emitted from your devices causes an increase in alertness and a decrease in the body’s production of melatonin, which can affect your quality of sleep.

“Checking your phone stimulates the brain so we are more active and awake,” says Dr. Harneet Walia, a sleep disorders specialist from Cleveland, Ohio. “Even just a quick check can engage your brain and prolong sleep.”

To counter this, try turning off your screens one hour before bed and choose a non-screen activity such as reading, journaling or doing yoga. Getting a good night’s sleep will increase your productivity as an entrepreneur and allow you the energy you need to reach your goals.

If you find yourself being consumed by your daily technology routines or wasting time on unproductive technology consumption, break the cycle by starting some of these healthy digital habits. By recognizing your digital media use, setting a “Do Not Disturb”, and getting a full night of rest, you will be able to start each new workday with more energy and efficiency.