It’s that time of the year to unwind and take it easy. I would like to share some top tools to promote digital wellness and cut back on the clutter to assist with living a more balanced life.
You can’t deny that we live in a world where technology has become integral to everything we do. A touch of a button and your flights are booked, your food is delivered, and even medical records can be accessed from around the globe. While these technological advancements have made life easier, they can also be a big distraction and contribute to information overload, which results in digital and information fatigue.
At HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, we believe technology should contribute to a life that keeps getting better. Our phones are designed to provide tools that assist with the development of the individual and contribute to a sense of digital wellbeing.
The best place to start to improve your overall digital wellbeing is understanding how you’re using your device. To give that much-needed insight, simply set-up Digital Wellbeing on your Nokia device settings. This app will help you monitor your usage and allow you to actively set targets to spend your time where it matters the most.
Once you have outlined these usage patterns, couple those insights with the tips and tricks outlined below to aid in a more balanced life:
Create boundaries for yourself
It is important to start a winding down or winding up routine that does not involve being connected. Studies at the Harvard Medical School show that blue light wavelengths boost attention. During the day, blue light is beneficial for boosting reaction times and your mood. At night blue light can be disruptive as you need your brain to be less active for a full nights rest.
Try to introduce tech-free mornings or nights? For instance, disconnect from the world an hour or two before you go to bed. You can disconnect by creating a soothing easy atmosphere. Spend some time before bed to stretch, brush your teeth, or make yourself a cup of coffee/tea without the distractions of the outside world.
Also, try to find moments of escape throughout your day to help you destress. Studies show that being outdoors, in nature, can improve attention, memory and concentration. Our mad routines make taking lunch breaks away from your desk hard. Taking time for a break, away from technology, could make you more productive for the rest of the workday. And while you’re at it, why not elevate the experience by enjoying conversations with your friends and colleagues?
Take a breather
Sometimes, the simplest solution is just to take some time out. For instance, the Do Not Disturb feature is designed to silence all notifications on your smartphone including phone calls, for as long as you have it enabled. Do not disturb is is a great function to use when you need uninterrupted sleep or a few hours to work without constant distracting notifications.
Flip the switch
Why not turn the relationship you have with technology on its head? Rather than limiting your use to being connected, use it to help you unwind, take a breather and disconnect. Downloading apps like Calm and other white noise playlists, which can be found on Google play music, helps you you drown out the noise while you work or set the scene for revitalising meditation at home or in nature.
A host of our devices, including the Nokia 6.2 that we launched recently offers a Google 
Assistant function, which is a perfect resource for finding additional tips and tricks to living a more mindful life.
Your next challenge is to find the balance between taking a moment to yourself, finding solitude in your connectedness, and popping in the earphones to help you destress.
Technology can be a distraction or a tool for a better lifestyle. Nokia makes your choice easy.
Shaun Durandt | General Manager Southern Africa | HMD Global | mail me |
