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Home Blog Strategies to Digital Wellbeing with Dr Kristy Goodwin
4Dec

Ep #43 – Strategies to Digital Wellbeing with Dr Kristy Goodwin
By Sonia Goss | Blog, Podcast, Real Talk With Outperformers, The Outperformer, Brad Eisenhuth, Dr Kristy Goodwin, Digital Wellbeing, Entrepreneur, Business Success, Business Culture, Neuroscience, Psychology | 4 Dec 2023 |
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In the recent episode of Real Talk With Outperformers, Dr. Kristy Goodwin, a trailblazer in digital wellbeing, shared profound insights into the evolving relationship between humans and the omnipresent digital society. Drawing from her personal awakening, Dr. Goodwin explores the pervasive impact of technology on individuals and organisations, offering invaluable strategies to navigate the complexities of our always-connected world. Join us in uncovering the keys to fostering a thriving digital culture and optimising well-being in the face of constant technological influence.

Here are some highlights of here conversation with host, Brad Eisenhuth

Digital Wake-Up Call

Dr. Kristy Goodwin's journey into the digital wellbeing space began with a pivotal moment of self-reflection. Despite being a researcher in the field, the wake-up call came when, after returning from a trip, she opened her laptop to a flood of urgent emails. In the midst of this digital distraction, her son, Billy, suffered a significant fall that required hospitalization, leaving a lasting scar as a tangible reminder.

This incident propelled Dr. Goodwin to turn the mirror on herself and recognise that adults, not just kids, are grappling with the impact of technology on their lives. She emphasizes that technology has seeped into every aspect of our lives and highlights alarming statistics, such as adults reaching for their phones before their partners in the morning and the prevalence of conditions like nomophobia and phantom vibration syndrome.

Crafting Digital Boundaries

Dr. Goodwin offers insights for both individuals and organisations when addressing digital issues, including setting parameters and boundaries for personal and professional tech usage to avoid constant digital distractions.

Dr. Goodwin stresses the need for organisations, especially those with remote teams, to create "digital guardrails." These guardrails encompass articulating digital norms, practices, and principles, allowing individuals to psychologically disconnect from work such as acceptable internal email response rates and defining when certain online tools should be used as well as establishing communication escalation plans for urgent matters, favouring direct phone calls.

She emphasises the importance of acknowledging our human limitations and the necessity for downtime, akin to how we maintain and upgrade machines. Legislation around the "right to disconnect" is also predicted, as seen in some organisations already incorporating clauses addressing this.

Email Comfort VS Complex Conversations in the Digital Era

In a thought-provoking segment of the podcast with Dr. Kristy Goodwin, the discussion probes into the challenges of managing complex discussions over email and the prevalent reliance on written communication, particularly among less experienced staff.

Dr. Goodwin and Brad explore the contrast between the perceived safety of email communication and the effectiveness of more direct methods, such as phone calls, in addressing intricate issues. The conversation highlights a critical aspect of workforce development, emphasizing the necessity for individuals to improve the skills required for productive conversations. The insights shed light on the potential consequences when staff members, due to a lack of proficiency in navigating complex discussions, resort to email communication, leading to unproductive conflicts, customer loss, misallocation of resources, and overlooking crucial warning signs across the business value chain.

Unlocking Productivity Through Effective Communication

Dr. Kristy Goodwin advocates for a shift away from relying solely on written communication and highlights the efficiency and richness of direct conversations, especially when dealing with intricate matters. By encouraging a culture that values and cultivates conversational skills, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with the overreliance on email. This passionate exploration serves as a call to action, urging organizations to prioritise the development of communication competencies within their workforce to enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall business success.

Balancing Tech for Well-Being

Dr. Goodwin emphasizes that the human operating system functions optimally when basic physical and psychological needs are met. Key elements include connection, quality sleep, regular physical activity, exposure to sunlight, and even proper breathing.

However, the prevalence of digital habits, especially excessive screen time, poses challenges to these fundamentals. While digital communication platforms offer a form of connection, they trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, contrasting with the oxytocin produced during face-to-face interactions. The neurobiological impact of video calls, with their unique stressors like close proximity on screens and processing redundant information, highlights the need to balance technology use with essential human needs for well-being and optimal functioning.

Tech at Work & Shrinking Attention Spans

In discussing attention spans, Dr. Goodwin acknowledges the pervasive belief that attention spans are shrinking, citing Professor Gloria Mark's research. She emphasises the evolutionary perspective, asserting that humans have always had short attention spans, honed for detecting potential threats. Dr. Goodwin attributes the sense of urgency in responding to digital communication to cultural norms set by leaders, creating a phenomenon she terms "digital presenteeism."

In addressing personal accountability, Dr. Goodwin acknowledges the challenge of cultural shifts, especially in mature organisations with ingrained practices. She emphasises the importance of outcomes over hours worked, advocating for a shift in the dialogue around productivity. Dr. Goodwin also explores the potential removal of specific technologies for increased well-being and productivity, suggesting email as a candidate for removal. She encourages a focus on trust, accountability, and responsibility in navigating the changing landscape of work expectations, particularly in larger organisations.

Leveraging your Chronotype for Productivity

In discussing attention spans, Dr. Goodwin acknowledges the pervasive belief that attention spans are shrinking, citing Professor Gloria Mark's research. She emphasises the evolutionary perspective, asserting that humans have always had short attention spans, honed for detecting potential threats. Dr. Goodwin attributes the sense of urgency in responding to digital communication to cultural norms set by leaders, creating a phenomenon she terms "digital presenteeism."

In addressing personal accountability, Dr. Goodwin acknowledges the challenge of cultural shifts, especially in mature organisations with ingrained practices. She emphasises the importance of outcomes over hours worked, advocating for a shift in the dialogue around productivity. Dr. Goodwin also explores the potential removal of specific technologies for increased well-being and productivity, suggesting email as a candidate for removal. She encourages a focus on trust, accountability, and responsibility in navigating the changing landscape of work expectations, particularly in larger organisations.

Tips for Tech Wellness

Dr. Kristy Goodwin offers practical tips for optimizing technology use. Firstly, she advises individuals to identify their chronotype and align their activities with their peak performance window.

Secondly, she emphasises managing notifications by turning off non-essential ones, bundling or batching them, and creating VIP lists for important contacts.

The third tip is to maintain the first 15 minutes of the day as tech-free to leverage the theta brain state for creative thinking and minimize stress triggers associated with immediate digital engagement. Dr. Goodwin's insights provide easy-to-implement strategies for enhancing well-being in the digital age.

It's evident that establishing mindful boundaries and embracing intentional tech habits are vital for well-being and peak performance. Dr. Goodwin's multifaceted approach, ranging from chronotype alignment to managing notifications and reclaiming control, provides a roadmap for individuals and organisations alike. In a time where digital stimuli continues to increase, the journey towards tech wellness involves acknowledging our human limitations, fostering a supportive digital culture, and crafting a harmonious relationship with the tools that shape our daily lives.

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