How to take care of one’s digital well-being this 2026

The new year is just around the corner, a time when many people set new goals and make resolutions, whether it is visiting new places or trying out new hobbies.

For those aiming for a healthier lifestyle this 2026, improving digital well-being is also something worth considering.

It deals with the mental, emotional, and physical health implications of interacting with digital devices, and platforms and services, according to the United Nations’ “A guide to digital wellbeing.”

Here are some tips for taking care of one’s digital well-being.

You control your social media experience

Social media users have control over the content they consume online, which could either become a source of stress or relaxation.

“It's (social media) already incorporated with our everyday life,” psychologist Riyan Portuguez said, “So it's better on how to manage our stressors.”

It is also important to remember that one has control over their social media experience, especially the time spent online.

“Everybody just has to remember that you can control how you experience being online. And you also are able to stop when you need to. You're also able to take a break when you need to,” said Bea Bautista, TikTok Philippines communication head.

Educate not restrict

When building healthy digital habits, Bautista advised educating the public rather than restricting them from engaging online.

Portuguez echoed the same sentiment, pointing out that teaching individuals to regulate themselves when using social media also means empowering them.

According to the Digital 2026 Report, the Philippines ranked 12th globally in total internet users, with over 98 million individuals now online.

The report showed that Filipinos spend more than 20 hours weekly watching online videos, and over 80% use TikTok and YouTube, making the Philippines the top YouTube user country globally.

Manage digital habits

While social media offers entertainment, learning, and connection, it also requires mindfulness to protect emotional and mental well-being, said Peachy Paderna, TikTok Philippines public policy manager.

“Digital balance is really all about having the liberty to enjoy creativity, learning, and connection online. But that also comes with the mindfulness that you need to have around your emotional and mental well-being,” Paderma said.

Portuguez, who is also a digital wellness advocate, said that managing digital habits is crucial to preventing the negative mental health effects of being overwhelmed, especially by excessive online content.

Keep oneself grounded

For Portuguez, taking a pause to look into the mirror and doing positive self-affirmations helps her stay grounded.

Meanwhile, lifestyle content creator Belle Rodolfo said starting her day with a routine helps her get through her day.

“I wake up, refresh myself, get dressed, coffee, gym. I have to hit those points, and I'm good to go for the day,” Rodolfo said.

For Bautista, listening to classical music after work helps her decompress and let go of stress.

Meanwhile, Paderna finds that singing, rather than listening to music, helps her unwind.

“I know I'm not okay when I stop listening to music or singing. So to ground myself, to remind myself that you have an option to feel okay, I just sing in the shower,” Paderma said.

The speakers shared tips on taking care of one's digital well-being during TikTok’s launch of their Time and Well-being Page earlier this month.

The new TikTok page has an affirmation journal, soothing sound, breathing exercises, and a time and well-being mission where users can use to keep a healthy digital habit. — BAP, GMA Integrated News