Digital wellbeing
Learn how digital wellbeing impacts your studies, health, relationships and daily life.
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What is digital wellbeing?
Online services and digital devices are essential for studying, communicating, collaborating and accessing support at university. However, constant connectivity can affect:
- concentration
- sleep
- stress levels
- overall wellbeing.
Understanding how technology impacts your physical, mental and emotional health, and making informed choices about how you use digital tools, is at the heart of digital wellbeing.
Digital wellbeing can help you:
- stay focused while studying
- manage distractions and information overload
- maintain a healthy study-life balance
- build positive online relationships
- support your mental and physical wellbeing.
Small, consistent changes and being intentional with technology improve focus, reduce stress and support effective learning. Finding a balance that works for you is key to maintaining positive digital wellbeing.
Improving your digital wellbeing
Managing your screen time
Finding a healthy balance between studying, screen use and downtime can help prevent digital overload.
Tips for managing screen time:
- take regular breaks during study sessions
- use techniques such as the Pomodoro Method to balance focus and rest
- schedule time away from devices for exercise, hobbies or social activities
- avoid screens before bedtime where possible
- focus on working effectively rather than spending more time online, as regular rest often improves productivity and concentration.
Supporting your wellbeing
Managing digital stress and maintaining wellbeing online.
Support Your Mental Wellbeing
Online spaces can offer connection and support, but they can also contribute to stress and pressure.
Try to:
- be aware of how social media affects your mood
- follow accounts that inspire, educate or support your wellbeing
- set boundaries around social media use
- seek support if online experiences negatively affect your wellbeing.
Support Your Physical Wellbeing
Extended screen use can lead to eye strain, headaches and poor posture.
Try to:
- set up your workspace comfortably
- maintain good posture
- take regular study breaks away from screens
- reduce eye strain with the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Building positive digital study habits
Using technology to support learning, focus and productivity.
Stay focused
Reduce distractions by:
- studying in a distraction-free environment
- closing unnecessary browser tabs and notifications
- using "Do Not Disturb" settings during focused work
- keeping study materials organised and accessible.
Stay organised
- establish a regular study routine
- use folders and clear file names
- keep notes in one place
- use calendars and task-management tools.
Stay safe
- use strong passwords and protect personal data
- manage privacy settings on your accounts
- back up important files regularly
- keep your inbox organised to reduce digital clutter.
Use technology intentionally
Before going online, ask yourself:
- what am I trying to achieve?
- is this helping me reach my goal?
- am I staying focused or distracted?