Happy New year!

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to consider how technology impacts our overall well-being. Just like physical health, our digital habits need attention and care, and there are some great resolutions you can make that will have an impact on your health in the new year.

1. Reduce Screen Time

The average adult spends over 4 hours a day staring at screens… that’s almost a full day every week! While technology offers countless benefits, excessive screen time can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that too much screen time can lead to eye strain, poor posture, disrupted sleep, and increased stress levels and prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep at night. 

Long story short, reducing screen time is a simple but effective way to improve your well-being and take control of your digital habits in the new year. Here are three ways to up your control over your screen time:

• Set Screen Time Limits: Most smartphones and devices have built-in tools to help you track and limit screen time. Using these tools, you can set daily limits for non-essential apps or social media to help manage your screen time. Here’s how to set up screen time limits on Apple and Android .

• Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ Mode: Do Not Disturb mode allows you to turn off notifications during key times of your day, such as meals, exercise, or before bed, to avoid unnecessary distractions. It’s a great tool that allows you to customize who and what will send an alert to your phone. Here’s how to set Do Not Disturb on Apple or Android .

• Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and gives your mind a break.

2. Organize Your Devices

It’s easy to remember to tidy up your house, but we often forget about our phones, tablets, and computers. Just like physical clutter, digital clutter can slow you down, make it harder to find what you need, and even cause unnecessary stress. From overflowing email inboxes to hundreds of unused apps, disorganization on your devices can take a mental toll.

• Declutter Your Digital Space: Just like cleaning your physical space, it’s important to organize your digital life. Clear out unnecessary apps, documents, and emails. Create folders for a more streamlined experience.

• Backup Your Data: Set up automatic backups for important files and photos, so you don’t risk losing anything. Whether it’s through cloud storage or an external hard drive, make sure you have a reliable backup system.

• Set Up Device Maintenance Reminders: Regularly update your apps, operating systems, and devices to keep them running efficiently. Schedule monthly or quarterly checks to ensure everything is up to date.

3. Enhance Cybersecurity

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: The new year is a great time to evaluate your password practices. Use complex, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This reduces the chances of unauthorized access to your sensitive information.

• Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Stay vigilant about suspicious emails, messages, or websites asking for personal or financial information. 

4. Prioritize Digital Detoxes

• Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas of your home or workspace that are tech-free, like the dining table or bedroom, to encourage healthier boundaries with your devices.

• Schedule Digital Detox Days: Once a month, or even once a week, try to disconnect from all digital devices for a set period—whether it’s a few hours or an entire day. Use this time for hobbies, outdoor activities, or simply to relax without tech distractions.

• Engage in Offline Activities: Rediscover the joy of reading physical books, writing in a journal, or enjoying a hobby that doesn’t involve screens. Developing a hobby that’s doesn’t involve a screen can help recharge your mind and reduce digital fatigue.

5. Be Mindful of Social Media Usage

• Set Purposeful Limits: Social media can feel overwhelming, so set limits on how much time you spend scrolling. Consider unfollowing accounts that don’t contribute positively to your well-being.

• Practice Positive Engagement: Focus on using social media for good—whether it’s engaging in positive conversations, learning new things, or supporting friends and family. Avoid getting caught up in negativity or harmful content… life is stressful enough as it is! 

6. Improve Digital Work-Life Balance

• Set Work Hours: With many people working from home, it’s easy to let work spill into personal time. Set specific work hours and stick to them, allowing for quality downtime in the evening and on weekends.

• Utilize Productivity Tools: Use apps and tools that help manage your time and keep you focused. Apps like Trello , Asana , or Focus@Will can improve your productivity and help you stay organized.

By adopting just one of these resolutions, you can start the new year with a healthier approach to technology, balancing your digital life with well-being and productivity. 

We hope you have a fantastic New Year!