Digital life got you feeling like a hamster on a wheel? Emails pinging, meetings multiplying, notifications nagging… suddenly “just a sec” becomes 45 minutes lost in the YouTube abyss. Been there, done that (except for the hamster wheel part… hopefully).
The truth? We’re all juggling digital demands, leaving us drained and scattered. You’re not alone. This constant digital pressure cooker can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout. But what if we could transform that struggle into smarter, happier, and even playful work?
Forget ditching tech entirely (who wants that?). Digital wellness is all about using it smart, using it mindful, using it to fuel your goals and well-being. Think finding the sweet spot between “always connected” and “totally disconnected,” between work grind and joyful play.
This post is your one-stop shop for digital wellness greatness:
- Expert insights and tips to help you navigate this digital jungle
- Practical tools and resources to make your journey smooth sailing
- Strategies to:
- Balance your digital life (no more hamster wheel!)
- Turn work into play (yes, really!)
- Connect with others in a meaningful way (IRL, not just through emojis)
- Crush your goals with the right mindset and skills
- Optimize your well-being with micro-habits and tech like Microsoft Viva Insights
Ready to reclaim your digital sanity and unlock the power of mindful tech? Let’s do this!
NOTE: this a follow-up to a PD session on Feb 16, 2024.
Shelley Hire, Holly Stackhouse and Melissa Cloutier were instrumental in research, preparation and delivery.
Many thanks. <3
Juggling Time, Energy, and Attention in the Digital Age
Remember that time you swore you’d “just check email” but ended up an hour deep in cat videos? Yeah, me too. The digital world demands our time, energy, and attention, like a needy toddler throwing a tantrum.
Calendars and planners? Cool, but they forget two key players: your energy and focus. Think of your energy as the fuel powering your work, and your focus as the laser beam aiming it. But social media and notifications are playing a ruthless game, draining your battery and scattering your laser with every ping.

Suddenly you’re context-switching like a mental ping-pong champion, feeling fried and depleted. So, how do we juggle this act without dropping the balls?
Time: ruthlessly prioritize. Not every meeting deserves space on your calendar. Be a ninja with your “yeses” and “nos.”
Energy: treat it like your bank account. Schedule rest breaks, eat healthy, and say no to tasks that suck the life out of you.
Attention: multitasking is a myth. Shut down distractions, create a focus zone, and try the Pomodoro Technique for laser-sharp bursts of work.
Social media: friend or foe? Let’s not burn it at the stake, but examine its impact. Is it capturing your attention, leaving you drained and wanting more? This “attention economy” can steal your:
- Control: mindlessly scrolling, giving away precious time and focus.
- Solitude: constant stimulation hinders deep thinking and recharging.
- Meaning: trivial content distracts you from your true passions and goals.
Reclaim your digital sanity! Reflect on your social media habits:
- Why are you there? Does it align with your values and goals?
- Is it a time and energy vampire? Is it hurting your productivity and well-being?
- Benefits vs. drawbacks? Be honest!
Embrace “digital minimalism”: use tech intentionally, not impulsively. Tame those notifications, try scheduled social media breaks, and explore focus and mindfulness tools.

Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle! Reclaiming your time, energy, and attention is a journey, not a destination. Take small steps, prioritize your well-being, and you’ll work smarter, happier, and even playfully in the digital age.
Mastering the Matrix: Playful Power
Forget the Eisenhower Matrix! Sure, it helps you prioritize tasks, but what about the digital energy vampires sucking your focus dry? Social media pings, email storms, endless notifications… they drain your battery and scatter your laser beam of attention.
While the Quadrants of Urgency and Importance help manage time, they neglect the tides of your energy and your fleeting attention. It’s time for Quadrant 1.5 (yeah, I just made that up)!
Enter the secret weapon for focus: play! Don’t ditch your responsibilities, just infuse them with a playful spirit. Even the most important tasks can feel like a slog if you’re dragging your feet. Playfulness, on the other hand, injects joy and energy, making work feel more engaging and productive.
Why Play Matters:
- Brainpower boost: Play sparks curiosity, exploration, and new ideas, helping you tackle tasks with a fresh perspective.
- Stress slayer: Play reduces stress, strengthens your immune system, and helps you bounce back from challenges.
- Connection builder: Play fosters collaboration, communication, and empathy, building stronger relationships.
- Happiness hero: Play helps you live in the moment, discover passions, and align work with your values.
Don’t be a victim of the attention economy!
Embrace Quadrant 1.5 with:
- Gamify it! Turn boring tasks into mini-games with rewards for completion. Level up your productivity!
- Playful breaks: Step away from screens for short, mindful activities like stretching or doodling. Recharge your brain!
- Humor me: Find the funny side of things, even in challenging tasks. Laughter is the best medicine (and productivity booster)!
Play isn’t frivolous, it’s a power tool! Use it to recharge your energy, refocus your attention, and reclaim your life from the digital onslaught. Work smarter, happier, and more playfully, and you’ll conquer the Matrix and thrive in the digital age.
Reimagine Your Digital World: Play, Connect, and Conquer!
Forget the time-management maze! Digital wellness is about harnessing your energy, attention, and joy in the digital age. It’s not about juggling tasks, it’s about thriving in the digital world. How? Let’s read some books and unlock the secrets.
Three themes emerge:

Embrace the Playful Power:
Remember losing yourself in childhood laughter and exploration? Play isn’t just for kids! It fuels creativity, learning, and even helps you bounce back from setbacks. There are several play styles (more in a bit). Find yours and infuse play into your day. Turn research into a detective game, craft lessons like a captivating story, or schedule time for creative expression. Play sparks joy, fuels curiosity, and recharges your mental batteries. Play harder, learn deeper, thrive longer!

Connect with Your Tribe:
Humans are social creatures, not robots! Collaborating, brainstorming, even venting with colleagues can boost your mood and offer fresh ideas. Assemble your Mastermind (we’ll get to that). Gather a supportive group to share ideas, tackle challenges, and hold each other accountable. Dr. Shimi Kang says connection is about feeling “close to and a part of something larger than ourselves.” It’s about meaningful relationships, not just follower counts. Connection boosts happiness, belonging, and support, and even helps you use technology more mindfully. Find joy and meaning by sharing tasks, balance work and life through social interaction, and explore new possibilities by networking with others. Connect deeper, thrive together!
Empower Yourself: Take Control:
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your digital habits. Tools like Microsoft Viva Insights (keep reading) can reveal your usage patterns, helping you identify areas for improvement. Take control of notifications, set boundaries, and reclaim your digital autonomy. Empowerment is about passion and purpose, not just having a job. Empowerment fuels motivation, self-esteem, and productivity. Find meaning by aligning tasks with your passion, explore new possibilities by pursuing your vision, and express your authentic self.
Ditch the Grown-Up Grump, Unleash Your Inner Playful Powerhouse!
Remember being a kid lost in pure joy and excitement? That’s the magic of play, and it’s not just for sandbox days! Bringing play into your adult life can turbocharge your digital wellness and make you, well, happier!
Why Play Matters:
- Stress Slayer & Happiness Hero: Play releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, kicking stress’s butt and leaving you smiling like a kid again!
- Brain Booster: Play is a mental workout, keeping your memory sharp, focus laser-sharp, and problem-solving skills on point.
- Creativity Captain: Play gets you thinking outside the box, experimenting, and exploring new ideas. It’s like innovation fuel for your brain!
- Relationship Rocket: Playing with others builds empathy, communication, and teamwork. Whether it’s a friendly game or a collaborative project, play strengthens your social bonds and makes connections awesome!
Discover Your Playful Persona:
Ali Abdaal, productivity nerd, says we all have eight play personalities, based on the research of Dr Stuart Brown:

- Explorer: Loves discovering new things and learning through play.
- Competitor: Thrives on challenges and games, always looking to win and improve.
- Director: Enjoys organizing and planning, using play to achieve goals.
- Collector: Finds joy in acquiring and showcasing cool stuff.
- Artist: Expresses themself creatively through play, like music or art.
- Storyteller: Connects through stories, using play to imagine and roleplay.
- Joker: Brings humor and laughter to play, making everyone feel good.
- Kinesthete: Enjoys movement and physical activity in their play.
Unlock Your Playful Potential:
- Find Your Play Style: Figure out which play personality resonates most. It helps you choose activities you truly dig!
- Schedule Playtime: Don’t leave it to chance! Block out dedicated time for fun and engaging activities you love.
- Tech Can Be Your Playmate: Use apps, games, or online communities to connect with others, explore new interests, and discover new ways to play.
- Play with Others: It adds another layer of fun and connection. Find friends, colleagues, or online communities to share your playful side.
- Don’t Overthink It: Play is about having fun, not perfection. Let go of expectations and embrace the joy of the moment.
Play isn’t just fun and games; it’s a powerful tool for boosting your well-being, happiness, and productivity. So, reconnect with your inner child, embrace play in your life, and watch your digital wellness blossom!
Ditch the Digital Drama: Find Your Wellness Groove!
Feeling like your phone is your boss? Time to reclaim your digital life! Let’s explore two paths to digital wellness: decluttering with minimalism and leveraging tech for flourishing.
Minimalism: Less is More, Sanity is Yours
Imagine a calmer, focused you. Cal Newport’s digital minimalism helps you get there by cutting the tech clutter and reclaiming your time and attention. Think of it as a spring cleaning for your digital world.
Your Minimalist Toolkit:
- Focus on what matters: Ditch apps and activities that don’t align with your values.
- Tame the screen beast: Reduce screen time and fight digital clutter.
- Find offline joy: Explore hobbies, nature, or anything that fuels your soul.
Minimalism is a great start, but let’s level up…

Digital Flourishing: Tech as Your Ally, Not Your Overlord
The Digital Wellness Institute says digital flourishing is about using tech smart, not less. Imagine technology as a tool that boosts your learning, creativity, and connections, not a source of stress.
Flourishing rests on eight pillars:
- Physical: Fitness, nutrition, sleep.
- Mental: Focus, memory, mood.
- Emotional: Self-awareness, resilience.
- Social: Connection, community.
- Professional: Productivity, career.
- Environmental: Sustainability, activism.
- Spiritual: Purpose, values.
- Digital: Literacy, security, etiquette.
Your Flourishing Toolkit:
- Tech for well-being: Use apps and tools to support your physical, mental, and emotional health.
- Level up your skills: Learn new things online, expand your horizons.
- Connect with purpose: Find online communities that empower and inspire you.

Remember, it’s your journey! Explore both approaches, see what works, and find the balance that brings you joy, well-being, and digital freedom.
Embrace a tech-powered life that works for you, not the other way around!
Tech Overload? Brain Hack Your Way to Digital Bliss!
Still feel like your phone’s controlling you? Let’s rewire your brain for tech-powered happiness! We’ll dive into how your brain reacts to tech and how to turn it into a superpower.

Unmasking Tech’s Mind Games:
Dr. Shimi Kang, the tech-brain whisperer, reveals the neuroscience behind our tech habits. You know that email ping that feels like a tiny lottery win? Yeah, dopamine does that. But understanding this brain hack empowers you to fight back! Schedule focused work time with notifications silenced – no dopamine distractions allowed!
Tech: Friend or Foe? It’s All in Your Hands:
Tech itself isn’t bad, it’s how we use it. Kang categorizes it into three types:
- Dopamine Tech: Fun and rewarding, but can be addictive (social media, games).
- Serotonin Tech: Boosts mood, but can cause anxiety (shopping, dating apps).
- Oxytocin Tech: Builds connection and trust (video calls, messaging).
The Imbalance Trap:
We often overdo dopamine and serotonin tech, neglecting oxytocin tech. This messes with our digital well-being, productivity, and happiness. Think:
- Digital Addiction: Craving constant stimulation, neglecting real life.
- Digital Distraction: Can’t focus, work suffers.
- Digital Stress: Feeling overwhelmed by the digital world.
The Tech Solution: Oxytocin to the Rescue!
Connecting with others, expressing yourself creatively, and fighting for causes you care about can boost your well-being in ways you never thought possible:
- Digital Connection: Build real relationships through video calls, messages, and shared experiences.
- Digital Creativity: Express yourself with music, videos, photos, and collaborate with others.
- Digital Empowerment: Make informed choices, protect your privacy, and be the change you want to see.
The ACE Model: Your Tech-Wellness Toolkit:
Kang offers a simple framework:
- Avoid: Toxic tech that triggers stress.
- Control: Moderate “junk” tech that provides fleeting pleasure.
- Embrace: Healthy tech that fosters well-being and happiness.
By following these principles, you can harness the power of technology to enhance your physical, mental, emotional, social, and professional well-being. Remember, tech is a tool – use it wisely to explore ideas, solve problems, and live a happier, more fulfilling life! You got this!
Escape the Algorithm Maze: Unleash Your Creative Genius!
Stuck in a digital rut? Feeling like your brain’s on autopilot, scrolling through endless feeds? Don’t let tech be your enemy! Let’s unlock your creative problem-solving power, with a dash of tech magic.
Spark Your Inner Einstein
Think outside the digital box! Forget just Googling answers. Napoleon Hill, the OG success guru, suggests tapping into the wisdom of historical figures or experts. Imagine brainstorming with Marie Curie or Steve Jobs! Write down their “advice” to challenge your thinking and spark fresh ideas. Feeling stuck on a project? Collaborate face-to-face with colleagues, bouncing ideas off each other for a creative explosion.

Mastermind Your Way to Success
Drowning in the digital ocean? Embrace collaboration and collective intelligence! Hill’s “Mastermind” concept reminds us of the power of surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who support our goals. Seek diverse perspectives and inspiration online! Join forums, communities, or groups related to your interests. Learn from others and get your creative juices flowing.
Explore & Solve
Exploring and solving problems isn’t just about learning facts; it’s about creating, contributing, and using both your brain and tech! Think of it as flexing your “thinking and acting creatively” muscles, as Hill called it. It’s not just information, but applying wisdom and insight to do things well.
A Storytime Side Quest:
Beaton Sumner “B.S” Langille was just called “Beat” to many and simply “Gramp” to us kids. He had a profound impact on who I am. One of things I hold on to is his Pout’n Shack. It was just a small garage he had furnished with a stove, a comfy chair and a collection of his favourite things. It was a place he would dedicate to thinking. It was his “worry box” where he made space for rumination. He called it “Stink’n Think’n”. When he left the shack, he left the thoughts therein. Sometimes we were invited to sit by the stove and listen to him tell stories, magically recite Robert Service from memory or to lose at cards. He also introduced me to Napoleon Hill. Gramp sits at the head of my own Cabinet of Invisible Counsellors, and I talk to him often.
Benefits Beyond Productivity
Exploring and solving problems are superpowers for your well-being, happiness, and success. They can:
- Boost focus and banish distractions
- Sharpen your mind like a razor
- Spark innovation like a firecracker
- Deepen your learning and growth
- Level up your career and reputation

Explore with Less Distraction
How do we achieve this without being sucked into the tech black hole? Mindful tech use is key! Find joy and meaning in tasks by aligning them with your passion. Balance work and life by creating space for personal development. Explore new possibilities online while pursuing your craft and vision. Express your authentic self by playing to your strengths and talents. Use technology as a tool for exploration, not distraction.
Recap: Masterminds & Cabinets: Your Digital Think Tank
- Mastermind: A “friendly alliance” to support your goals. Think online collaboration groups, project teams, or virtual partnerships to leverage collective intelligence.
- Cabinet: Imagine seeking advice from your personal “board of directors” of inspiring figures. Use books, podcasts, or even visualization to tap into their wisdom.
By working with others and facing challenges head-on, we can unleash our brain’s potential and use technology as a tool for exploration, not a barrier. So, ditch the digital rut, embrace your inner genius, and conquer the world!
Ditch the Digital Avalanche, Embrace Agile Awesomeness!
Feeling like your to-do list is swallowing you whole? Don’t let digital overwhelm crush your creativity! Let’s inject some playfulness and agile-ness into your productivity toolbox, inspired by JD Meier’s “Agile Results.” There’s an epic book and even a free jumpstart (html/pdf).

Dump the Monster List, Embrace Epic Quests:
Forget endless lists that suck the fun out of life! Choose 3 epic goals each day, framing them as exciting quests (“Craft the Lesson Plan That Blows Minds!”). Break them down into smaller, actionable stories (“Write an Introduction So Good They’ll Be Begging for More”) instead of boring task lists. Stories make things less scary and track progress vividly.
Life Frame & Hotspots: Balance Your Productivity Plate:
Think of your week as a “Life Frame.” Divide it up for work, relaxation, and play. Then identify your “hotspots,” those times when you’re laser-focused and ready to conquer. Schedule your most important tasks (“Quadrant 1.5” stuff) during these hotspots to minimize distractions and maximize output.
Being productive isn’t just about work, it’s about unlocking your awesome self:
- Reduces stress and anxiety, boosts your mood and makes you more resilient.
- Time management magic: Eliminate unimportant tasks and get things done faster.
- Joy and meaning: Align tasks with your goals and values, making work feel less like a chore.
- Balance for the win: Create space for offline activities and avoid burnout.
- Autonomy and control: Resist distractions and be the boss of your digital world.

Tech can be your productivity buddy, not a foe:
- Make tasks more fun and engaging with the right tools.
- Create space for personal and professional growth.
- Explore new opportunities and chase your vision.
- Express yourself authentically by playing to your strengths.
- Use tech as a tool to boost your skills, not a distraction.
Remember:
- Digital complexity: Too many tools? Simplify!
- Digital chaos: Feeling overwhelmed? Identify and manage your “hotspots” (areas of life that matter most).
By using these simple steps and tools, you can conquer digital overwhelm, unleash your full potential, and work smarter, happier, and more playfully!
Tiny Steps, Tech Bliss: Ditch Overload, Live Happy!
Feeling like your phone’s controlling you? Tech stressing you out? Don’t worry, reclaim your sanity and thrive with tiny tweaks! Let’s explore powerful practices for a happier, more playful digital life.
Micro-Habits: Tiny Change, HUGE Impact!
Forget drastic changes, start small! Set a 5-minute focus timer, close distracting tabs, or take mindful breathing breaks. Use Microsoft’s Viva Insights to track your progress and see what works best. Minimize distractions, limit social media checks, and win back your attention.
Powerful Micro-habits:
- Silence notifications during deep work.
- Focus on one task for 25 minutes, distraction-free.
- Take 5-minute breaks for stretching or breathing.
- Limit social media and email checks to specific times.
- Track progress and celebrate achievements to stay motivated.
Viva Insights: Your Guide to Micro-habit Mastery
Use Viva Insights to track and improve your micro-habits, leading to better digital wellness, productivity, and balance. Remember:
- Focus Time: Schedule uninterrupted work blocks.
- Quiet Hours: Set personal time boundaries.
- Virtual Commute: Create a healthy work-life transition.
- Gratitude & Mindfulness: Enhance well-being through various practices.
Gratitude & Mindfulness: Fuel Your Well-being
Thankfulness is a superpower! Take a moment each day to appreciate what you have. Do some meditation or walk in nature to reduce stress and boost focus. Remember, a happy you is a productive you!
Embrace micro-habits and Viva Insights to transform your digital experience. Tiny steps lead to big changes, boosting your well-being, happiness, and success in the digital age!
Remember, you got this! You’re the master of your digital world. Conquer it, one tiny step at a time!
Stuck in the Digital Swamp? Ditch the Grind, Play Your Way to Awesome!
Tired of feeling bogged down by digital stuff? Forget rigid schedules and endless to-do lists. It’s time to solve for Quadrant 1.5!
Think energy, attention, and most importantly, fun. It’s about choosing your own adventure, embracing playfulness, and finding joy in the journey.
Imagine: gamifying projects, virtual coffee breaks with colleagues, turning tasks into mini-challenges. Yeah, enjoyment fuels motivation and paves the way for productivity with a smile.
Remember: you can’t always choose “what,” but you can choose “how.” So, ask yourself:

“What would this look like if it were fun?”
Quadrant 1.5 isn’t just about time management, it’s about:
- Personal Agency: Design your digital well-being journey. Connect, create, disconnect – make it yours!
- Play, Fun, and Joy: Infuse tasks with creativity, challenge, and curiosity. Find your play personality and unlock its power.
- Building Momentum: Set boundaries, embrace small wins, and celebrate your progress.
Think of it as the antidote to:
- Digital overwhelm: Break free from distractions and reclaim your attention.
- Choice paralysis: Find fulfillment even with endless options.
- Boredom, frustration, and stress: Turn tasks into engaging adventures.
The key is to discover how technology can help you solve for Quadrant 1.5 and turn work and life into an engaging, joyful experience.
Here’s your cheat sheet for awesome:
- Fuel your energy: Prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Technology can be your wellness partner, not foe.
- Embrace playfulness: Make learning fun, gamify projects, and inject humor into tasks.
- Own your choices: Align your online time with your values and goals. Be intentional about how you use technology.
- Channel your creativity: Spark new ideas, solve problems with a playful twist, and produce impactful results.
- Connect and collaborate: Use technology to strengthen relationships, foster communication, and build meaningful communities.
- Disconnect to recharge: Create space for offline activities, reflection, and rejuvenation.
- Celebrate the journey: Find joy in the process, not just the outcome. Learn from setbacks and appreciate your progress.
- Build momentum: Set boundaries, use time wisely, and create a system that works for you.
- Find your “why”: Use stories to define your goals and make them compelling, meaningful, and rewarding.
Your Digital Quest Awaits:
Work Smarter, Happier, Play More!
Feeling buried in the digital world? Don’t worry, your personalized roadmap to digital wellness is here! Buckle up for tips, tricks, and tools to help you thrive in this tech-tastic world.
First Quest: Know your strengths and weaknesses. Take the Digital Flourishing Survey to identify areas for improvement. Think of it as your digital GPS!
Craft Your Master Plan: Use the insights from the assessment and the strategies here to create a personalized digital wellness plan. This is your personalized treasure map to a happier, more playful digital life!
Power Up Your Journey: Take your wellness to the next level with Microsoft Viva Insights, your digital productivity coach. Set it up in Microsoft Teams or in Microsoft 365. Think of it as your Yoda, guiding you on your digital quest.

Remember: Digital wellness is a journey, not a destination. Experiment, adapt, and have fun along the way!
Key Loot You’ll Score:
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: Embrace micro-habits, tools like Viva Insights, and playful approaches to tasks. Ditch the hustle, unlock efficiency!
- Find Your “Why”: Align your digital life with your values and goals. This is your personal compass, guiding you towards a fulfilling digital experience.
- Play is Power: Inject fun and curiosity into your tasks. Remember, happy brain = productive brain!
- Disconnect to Recharge: Create space for offline activities and rejuvenation. Give your digital self a well-deserved break!
- Celebrate the Journey: Appreciate progress, learn from setbacks, and find joy in the process. Every step counts!
Remember, you hold the power to shape your digital destiny. Start your journey today and work smarter, happier, and more playfully than ever before! Go forth, digital adventurer!
Bonus Level: Deepen your dive with these inspiring resources:
Books:
- “Feel Good Productivity” by Ali Abdaal
- “Digital Minimalism” and “Deep Work” by Cal Newport
- “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
- “Play” by Stuart Brown
- “The Dolphin Parent” and “The Tech Solution” by Shimi Kang
- “Getting Results the Agile Way” by JD Meier
Websites:
- Digital Wellness Institute: www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com
- Shimi Kang: www.drshimikang.com
- JD Meier: www.sourcesofinsight.com & www.gettingresults.com
- Ali Abdaal: www.aliabdaal.com & www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal
- National Institute for Play: www.nifplay.org
- Napoleon Hill Foundation: www.naphill.org
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