Fall 2024 Previous Weelkly Digital Well-being Challenges
Explore who you want to be off screens.
When was the last time you thought about what you really like and what excites you off screens? Where do you want to travel, how do you like to socialize, what activities do you want to try? Use these questions to talk about it. Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
- 5 Ways to Set More Achievable Goals (hbr.org)
- How to Create an Awesome Vision Board in 8 Simple Steps (scienceofpeople.com)
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Get in touch with your creative side. Paint, color, draw, craft to de-stress.
Everyone can be creative! You don’t need to be an artist to create art. Try doodling, coloring, painting, sculpting, etc. to express your unique thoughts and feelings. Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
- The science behind creativity (apa.org)
- 5 Minute Drawing Meditation for Beginners - Mindful Art for Kids (youtube.com)
- MINDFULNESS Drawing Meditation - 12 minute mindfulness meditation (youtube.com)
- Coloring pages, Alumni Relations, Virginia Tech (vt.edu)
- 38 Amazing Ways to Be Creative (Even if You’re Not!) (scienceofpeople.com)
Digitally Well Lab
- September 4, 2-5 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market
- Register to attend the Digitally Well Lab this week to learn about and practice the challenge, and share your ideas about how we can foster digital well-being at Virginia Tech. All attendees will be entered to win the weekly raffle.
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Start a gratitude photo album on your phone and turn to it when you feel stressed (instead of scrolling).
Take the moments you want to remember and put them in their own album as an easy reminder of the incredible things you have in your life. Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
Living life with more gratitude can lead to a happier life.
- Giving thanks can make you happier - Harvard Health
- How to Practice Gratitude - Mindful
- Try taking photos with a disposable camera or rent a real one from the VT Library.
Digitally Well Lab
- September 11, 4-4:30 p.m., McComas 143
- Register to attend the Digitally Well Lab this week to learn about and practice the challenge, and share your ideas about how we can foster digital well-being at Virginia Tech. All attendees will be entered to win the weekly raffle.
Note: For mobile, you may need to press and hold the download button
Live Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) like a Hokie. Get engaged with your community.
Instead of killing time on your phone, find organizations that will allow you to give back to your community. There are many ways to serve and help those around you. It can be as simple as cleaning up a community space, giving someone a ride, helping a classmate study, giving blood, or something longer-term, like volunteering. Selfless acts boost self-esteem and offer an opportunity for you to meet new people or do a helpful activity with friends. Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
- Why your “weak-tie” friendships may mean more than you think
- VT Engage: The Center for Leadership & Service Learning
- Sustainable BlacksburgVolunteer - sustainableblacksburgva.org
- Volunteer - Warm Hearth - retire.org
- Volunteer - VTYMCA - vtymca.org
Digitally Well Lab
- September 18, 4-4:30 McComas 143
- Register to attend the Digitally Well Lab this week to learn about and practice the challenge, and share your ideas about how we can foster digital well-being at Virginia Tech. All attendees will be entered to win the weekly raffle.
Note: For mobile, you may need to press and hold the download button
Study Smarter. Challenge yourself to use tech-free study methods. Ex. Highlighters, flashcards, pen and paper, study partners.
When preparing for your next exam or important school assessment, challenge yourself by using notecards and writing information down on paper instead of using Quizlet or other related software. This can help you retain the information better due to brain connectivity. Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
- Writing things down may help you remember information more than typing - New Scientist
- The 7 Best Study Methods for All Types of Students - E-Student
Digitally Well Lab
- September 25, 4-4:30 McComas 143
- Register to attend the Digitally Well Lab this week to learn about and practice the challenge, and share your ideas about how we can foster digital well-being at Virginia Tech. All attendees will be entered to win the weekly raffle.
Note: For mobile, you may need to press and hold the download button
Got tech neck or other phone-related strains? Try stretching.
Ever feel sore after studying on your laptop or scrolling through social media for hours? When using your laptop, set it slightly below eye height and have it an arm's length away. Check your posture and take breaks to avoid any strains. Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
- Tech neck: Effect of technology - Mayo Clinic Health System
- 5 stretches for relieving 'tech neck,' according to physical therapists - Popular Science
- Get Rid Of “Tech Neck” With These Easy Exercises - The Well by Northwell
- Healthline: Stretches for wrists and hands
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Instead of standing in line scrolling, use your phone to make a fun plan for the weekend.
The next time you find yourself having to wait in line for food, the bus, the elevator, use this time to plan an adventure for the weekend. Explore something new (ex. A hike, the famers market, festival, etc.) and maybe invite your friends too! Here are some resources to help you explore and practice the benefits of this week’s challenge.
- Festivals & Events - Step Into Blacksburg
- Hiking - Step Into Blacksburg
- Buy Local, Eat Local, Be Local - Blacksburg Farmers Market
- Venture Out Center - Recreational Sports
- Upcoming Events - GobblerConnect
- The Breakzone in Squires - Aside from bowling, billiards, and table tennis, the Breakzone also has a fantastic selection of boardgames students can use on site.
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