Less screen, more self-connection
‘Beauty is difficult to define because it means different things to different people.’
Excessive screen time affects how the brain functions throughout the day. A meta-analysis published in Neuropsychology Review in 2024 covering 43 studies found poorer cognitive performance in individuals with disordered screen use, particularly in attention, focus and executive function.
The real toll on appearance comes from social media content, where edited photos and idealized bodies shape self-perception. A 2025 meta-analysis in Body Image involving 55,440 participants linked online social comparison directly to body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms.
TAKING a break from screens creates room for meaningful connections and healthier daily routines.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF unsplash/ andrej-lisakov
Finding balance through mindful rituals
Developing healthier habits does not require abandoning smartphones entirely. Taking regular digital breaks, setting bedtime phone limits, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and spending time with loved ones help restore balance.
Beyond digital breaks, engaging in daily skincare routines — focusing on hydration, sun protection and skin texture — offers a tactile way to step away from screens. Studies on sensory self-care suggest that the simple act of slowing down for a personal care ritual helps lower stress and promotes mental relaxation.
For Rachel Quek, CEO and co-founder of Korean beauty and wellness company DAON & Co., self-care includes building a healthier relationship with one’s appearance.
“Growing up as a girl, I was constantly exposed to media, the news, and the people around me. I realized that while beauty can be wonderful, it can also make you feel bad about yourself,” she said.
Co-founded with Sherie Ng and another partner, DAON & Co. offers curated skincare, hair care and educational resources to help consumers navigate individual routines without forcing rigid aesthetic ideals.
“One thing we always say is that we bring Korean beauty to this market, but we don’t bring Korean beauty standards into it,” she said. She emphasized that beauty should remain open to interpretation. “Beauty is difficult to define because it means different things to different people. We don’t want any definition of beauty to make anyone feel bad about themselves.”
Making time for physical wellness
These concepts were brought to life at Reconnect Together, a wellness gathering held on 4 November at Longevity Labs in Bonifacio Global City through the Globe and DAON & Co. partnership. The event featured group yoga, sauna and cold plunge sessions, and personal care product explorations to help attendees unwind.
To encourage this balance beyond single events, Globe has introduced wellness benefits across its prepaid, postpaid, and platinum mobile segments, partnering with DAON & Co. and fitness facilities.
Eric Tanbauco, Head of Consumer Mobile at Globe, said: “We know that our customers are constantly moving, creating, and taking care of the people around them. Wellness is about giving them the space to take care of themselves, too.”
Ultimately, cultivating a healthier relationship with technology means knowing when to put the phone down, rest the eyes and mind, connect with others, and prioritize personal well-being.