Encourage Real-Life Activities: Promote engaging in hobbies and activities that don’t involve screens. This can lead to a more balanced lifestyle and reduce dependency on social media for entertainment.
Asa part of my series about 5 Ways To Create a Healthy Relationship With Screens and Technology, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lyndsi Edgar, eLuminate Marketing.
Lyndsi, CEO and founder of eLuminate Marketing, leads an elite team of digital marketing virtuosos. She transforms countless businesses from obscure entities to omnipresent. With a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication and over 15 years of experience, Lyndsi excels in developing and implementing innovative online marketing strategies, crafting captivating content, and executing robust remarketing campaigns across diverse industries.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Asa digital marketing mentor, I’ve encountered numerous interesting stories, but one that stands out involves a significant turnaround for a client’s campaign. Early in my career, we were working with a small business that was struggling to gain traction online. Their previous campaigns were not yielding the desired results, and they were considering reducing their digital marketing efforts.
We took on the challenge and started by deeply analyzing their target audience, market trends, and the performance metrics of their past campaigns. We realized that their approach was too broad and not effectively reaching their niche audience. So, we devised a strategy focused on highly targeted content, and optimizing their social media presence to engage more directly with their potential customers.
The results didn’t come overnight, but with consistent efforts and refinements based on data analytics, we began to see a significant shift. The client’s website traffic increased, engagement on their social media channels improved, and most importantly, their sales began to grow.
This experience was a turning point for me. It reinforced the importance of understanding the unique aspects of each client’s business and the power of a tailored, data-driven approach in digital marketing. It was a lesson in perseverance, innovation, and the impact of strategic marketing. This story has stayed with me as a testament to the transformative power of effective digital marketing strategies.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?
eLuminate Marketing works with a myriad of law firms. Therefore in late 2023 we launched, eLuminate Law Marketing. This includes a team of experts in the law marketing field who can help law firms increase their brand exposure via tailored custom content on social media, email marketing, blog writing, video marketing and graphic design.
Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Between work and personal life, the average adult spends nearly 11 hours looking at a screen per day. How does our increasing screen time affect our mental, physical, and emotional health?
The increasing screen time in our modern lives, spanning both work and personal spheres, has profound implications on our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In the digital marketing realm, where screens are a constant, the impact is even more pronounced. Social media, while a potent tool for connectivity and information, requires judicious use. Excessive engagement can lead to a disconnection from the immediate physical world, often seen in scenarios like restaurant gatherings where screens dominate attention. The key is to engage with purpose and moderation. It’s crucial to set boundaries for screen use, allowing time to disconnect and immerse in the present moment.
Can you share your top five ways people can improve mental wellness and create a healthy relationship with technology?
1. Designate Tech-Free Zones: During family time, keep your phone out of sight and reach, like in a drawer, to avoid distractions.
2. Weekend Do Not Disturb: Activate the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on your phone on weekends or on your day off to fully engage with family and personal time.
3. Set Clear Boundaries: Schedule specific times for social media scrolling and stick to those limits. Once time’s up, put the screen away.
4. Turn Off Notifications: Disable notifications to minimize distractions and stay focused on your immediate tasks and responsibilities.
5. Pursue Screen-Free Hobbies: Engage in activities that don’t involve screens, like walking, reading, meditation, or learning a musical instrument, especially in the evenings instead of TV time.
Between social media distractions, messaging apps, and the fact that Americans receive 45.9 push notifications each day, Americans check their phones 80 times per day. How can people, especially younger generations, create a healthier relationship with social media?
To foster a healthier relationship with social media, especially among younger generations, it’s essential to adopt mindful usage habits:
Conscious Consumption: Encourage intentional social media use. Before logging in, set a clear purpose — whether it’s connecting with friends, gathering news, or seeking inspiration. Avoid aimless scrolling.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than the number of likes or followers. Engage in conversations and build genuine connections.
Scheduled Breaks: Designate specific times for checking social media. This helps in reducing the habitual phone checking and keeps usage in check.
Notification Management: Limit push notifications to essential apps only. This reduces the urge to constantly check the phone and helps maintain focus on real-life activities.
Digital Detox: Regularly schedule periods where you disconnect from social media, whether it’s a certain time each day or a full day each week. This can help in resetting your digital habits.
Educate on Impact: Younger users should be educated about the potential negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health, to foster self-awareness.
Encourage Real-Life Activities: Promote engaging in hobbies and activities that don’t involve screens. This can lead to a more balanced lifestyle and reduce dependency on social media for entertainment.
By implementing these strategies, people can enjoy the benefits of social media while mitigating its potential downsides.
80% of smartphone users check their phones before they brush their teeth in the morning. What effect does starting the day this way have on people? Is there a better morning routine you suggest?
Starting the day by checking your phone can significantly influence your mindset and productivity. This habit often leads to immediate engagement with external demands and stressors, setting a reactive tone for the day. It can distract from personal priorities and reduce morning tranquility, potentially increasing anxiety or stress levels.
A better morning routine I suggest, and one I’ve personally implemented since 2020, involves keeping the phone out of the bedroom. This decision can lead to a more mindful start to the day. Here’s an alternative morning routine:
Wake Up Gently: Begin your day peacefully, without the immediate influx of digital information.
Physical Activity: A brief workout, yoga, or even a simple stretching routine can energize your body and mind.
Reflect and Plan: Spend some time reflecting on your goals for the day, jotting down key tasks or intentions.
Nourishing Breakfast: Enjoy a healthy breakfast that fuels both body and mind.
Engage with Loved Ones: If you live with family or friends, spend a few moments in the morning connecting with them.
By adopting such a routine, you can start your day focused, calm, and centered on your personal well-being and goals, rather than immediately diving into the digital world’s demands.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote?
“You will never always be motivated. So you must learn to be disciplined.”
This quote encapsulates a crucial life lesson, especially relevant in the fast-paced and ever-evolving field of digital marketing. It reminds us that while motivation can be a powerful driver, it’s often fleeting and unreliable. Discipline, on the other hand, is what keeps us moving forward consistently, driving progress and success even when motivation wanes. It’s about committing to your goals and maintaining focus, regardless of how you feel at the moment.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Put away your phones when you are with people you care about. Enjoy the present moment and feel gratitude that these people are in your life.
What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online?
I post most of my content on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsistaffordedgar/
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.