How to ensure your digital wellbeing

(Originally published 19 September 2021 – updated July 2025)

Why digital wellbeing matters now more than ever

The way we live today is inseparable from the digital world, from managing finances to monitoring our homes, staying connected with loved ones, or accessing entertainment and education, screen time is no longer occasional, but constant. This makes digital wellbeing a vital part of maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle in 2025.

Digital wellbeing is about creating a healthier relationship with technology, staying connected without letting devices control your day, and ensuring your mental, emotional and physical health are not compromised by excessive screen use.

The hidden cost of constant connectivity

Spending too much time on screens can lead to issues like anxiety, burnout, disrupted sleep and eye strain. Children, in particular, are vulnerable, not just to the effects of screen time itself, but to the habits they learn from adults around them. 

We often don’t realise how much of our day is governed by digital interactions – but can you remember the last time the first thing you did when waking up wasn’t to reach for your ‘phone? 

Then you start the morning replying to messages, checking traffic or news updates. If you’re a white collar worker, then the majority of your day is going tot involve long hours in front of a laptop. By evening, you’ve used an e-wallet to get home, ordered dinner through an app, and relaxed with streaming content. Yes, it’s convenient, but are we in control, or are we simply reacting to screens?

How to take charge of your digital life

Improving your digital wellbeing starts with awareness, so take a moment to reflect on how you use devices throughout the day - are you reaching for them out of necessity, or out of habit? Once you know where the time goes, you can begin to make intentional changes.

Establishing clear rules and routines can help, such as setting screen-free times, during meals or before bed. Getting the whole family involved in these initiatives makes them easier to follow and it also sets a valuable example for younger users.

Finding balance isn’t about removing tech entirely but carving out space for offline activities like reading, conversation and outdoor time – ‘organic’ activity that allows your mind a chance to rest and refocus. In doing so, you’ll naturally develop a healthier, more mindful approach to technology.

Moving towards a healthier digital future

Digital wellbeing is not a one-off fix but requires a complete lifestyle shift, unlearning many deeply ingrained habits. As our reliance on technology continues to grow, the need to manage it responsibly becomes more urgent, so kickstart the process as soon as possible. Start small, reflecting on your habits, introduce manageable changes, and gradually take control of your digital life. Ultimately, you’ll not only improve your own wellbeing but also create a more balanced and secure environment for those around you.