Improve Your Digital Wellbeing CPD webinar

Sam Flynn
Digital wellbeing and social media coach, trainer and speaker

Wednesday’s Improving Your Digital Wellbeing webinar, delivered by Sam, provided a powerful and eye-opening look at how the digital world affects our health. With 16 years of expertise in the field, Sam’s passion for the topic shone through, offering invaluable insights into how we can navigate technology without sacrificing our wellbeing.

The Digital World and Its Impact on Health

Sam began the session by addressing the significant toll digital technology can have on both our physical and mental health. While we often think about the effects of technology on our minds, Sam reminded us that our physical wellbeing is equally at risk. From poor posture to eye strain, and even disrupted sleep, the consequences of constant device use are far-reaching and can negatively affect our overall health.

Navigating the Digital Age Without Sacrificing Wellbeing

One of the key questions Sam posed was how we can manage our screen time in a way that doesn’t harm our wellbeing. It’s clear that we can’t escape the digital world, so how do we make it work for us, rather than against us? Sam stressed the importance of awareness, encouraging participants to track their screen time through weekly average reports. Becoming aware of how much time we spend on devices is the first step toward making meaningful changes.

Understanding Digital Addiction

A particularly thought-provoking moment in the webinar was when Sam discussed the role of dopamine in our digital habits. She explained how social media notifications, app updates, and the endless scroll of our phones trigger dopamine, reinforcing addictive behaviour. This neurochemical response makes it harder to break free from screen time, as our brains are constantly craving the next hit of dopamine.

The Impact on Sleep and Relationships

Sam also addressed how technology disrupts sleep patterns, with many people finding it hard to switch off at night due to late-night scrolling. This habit, Sam explained, leads to delayed sleep, which ultimately affects our physical and mental health the following day.

Despite the fact that digital technology has allowed us to stay more connected than ever, Sam pointed out a downside: fewer face-to-face interactions. While our virtual connections have increased, the quality of our relationships is being impacted as we spend more time communicating through screens rather than in person. This shift is negatively affecting social interactions and our emotional wellbeing.

Practical Tips for Improving Digital Wellbeing

Sam offered practical advice for improving digital wellbeing, including the simple yet powerful suggestion of reducing screen time by just one hour a day. Also, did you know that you can not only mute notifications, but pause your inbox from refreshing? That was a new trick for me!

Research shows that even this small adjustment can lead to significant improvements in mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This small change can make a big difference, helping us take back control of our digital lives.

Summary

It was a pleasure to welcome Sam back for this session, following her insightful webinar last year. Her expertise, combined with her passion for the subject, made this session both engaging and educational. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how to manage digital usage in a way that supports both mental and physical wellbeing.

If you would like to bring this session to your organisation, don’t hesitate to get in touch. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help your team create a healthier balance between their digital lives and personal wellbeing.

Explore other Health and Wellbeing CPD sessions.

Marcia Fernandes, 2nd April 2025
The Centre for People, Culture & Wellbeing