7 tips to maintain digital well being

If you were born in the 80s or even before, you were blessed. The technology was human's slave back then and today we have become technology's slave. Our parents never had to worry about our digital well being. In today's world digital well being is as important as physical well being.

We should make sure we follow some ground rules especially with children to decrease the screen time and its effect on their behavior. 

1.Control- Practice getting a control over your urge to check your phone/computer frequently.  If there is something urgent, people will call you, they will not wait after sending you a text or email. The number of likes on Facebook or Instagram won't decrease by checking them every 2 mins though it will increase and checking them again and again won't make any difference. It will only make you skip a few beats which is not good for your heart.

2.Indulge- You have tens of things around you to indulge. Just put your phone down and talk to your colleagues or family members. Play board games, admire nature, exercise, cook your favorite cuisine, grab a cup of coffee and read a book. Life is beautiful and we are blessed with awesome companions, it's just that we don't realise their importance until we lose one. 

3.Set Limit- Fix the number of hours for screen usage. You do not have to worry about keeping a track of your usage because most phones these days have this feature and a app also know as 'digital well being'. Just enable the app, set limit and you are good to go. The device itself will send you alerts when usage exceeds set limits....how ironical! 

4.Consistency- Be honest and consistent with the rules you make to ensure digital well being. It's not whenever possible I will not use my phone....that possibility will never come. You have to be strict with your self. 

5.Detox - Keep at least one day in a week to switch off your phone and detoxify. In the beginning, you can start with couple of hours and gradually increasing number of hours every week. Keep one thing in your mind, the world will not go upside down if you stay away from  your phone for sometime. However you will help detoxify your mind and soul by doing this. You will be amazed the way you feel once you start doing this. 

6.Be conscious- Today internet is flooded with too much knowledge and engaging media. We should be aware enough what content we are watching.  It is even more important to intervene when you see your kid scrolling down some info which is not meant for his age group. Activate parental control on all devices and also have a hearty talk with your kids once a while. Answer their questions calmly otherwise they will google it or ask siri or Alexa which is more dangerous. 

7.Protect- Make sure to install apps which are authentic. Protect yourself and your kids from spam, fishing and cyber crimes. Be careful when you make an online transaction. Do not accept friend reques9from a complete stranger.  Don't hesitate to scrutinize a little before sharing your personal details online. There have been tremendous increase in cyber crime since 2010. 

Be safe and secure! 

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Have a limited screen day!