Key Takeaways
- The Digital Detox Challenge runs from July 13 to August 9, 2025, as the final My Wellness program activity of the year.
- Participants must complete and log at least three tech‑free activities each week to earn 25 My Wellness points and qualify for weekly prize giveaways.
- Enrollment, activity logging, and point tracking are all done through the My Wellness portal using a simple step‑by‑step process.
- The challenge encourages mindfulness by suggesting tech‑free moments during meals, work, bedtime, and vacation.
- Beyond the detox, the university offers ongoing spiritual wellness resources via the Faber Center, the Ignatian Summer Series, and dedicated web pages for faculty and staff.
Overview of the Digital Detox Challenge
The Digital Detox Challenge is the concluding wellness initiative for the 2025‑26 My Wellness program year, designed to help employees curb excessive technology use and foster greater mindfulness. By encouraging participants to step away from screens at specific times—such as during meals, while working, before bed, and on vacation—the program aims to create intentional space for reflection and emotional balance. The challenge runs for four weeks, from Monday, July 13 through Sunday, August 9, and represents the last opportunity to earn the program’s 25‑point reward before the year ends on August 14.
Goals and Structure of the Challenge
Each week, participants are asked to complete and record at least three distinct tech‑free activities. These activities can be any intentional break from digital devices, such as reading a printed book, taking a walk without a phone, or engaging in a face‑to‑face conversation. By setting a clear, measurable target, the challenge helps individuals build awareness of their habitual screen time and develop healthier habits. Success is measured by consistent weekly logging, which also unlocks eligibility for both points and prize drawings.
How to Enroll in the Challenge
Enrollment is straightforward and handled entirely through the My Wellness portal. Employees begin by navigating to the portal, entering their personal username and password, and selecting the “Challenges” option from the upper menu or dashboard tile. Under “Available Challenges,” they choose “Digital Detox Challenge,” click “Get Started,” and then “Continue” to finalize registration. First‑time users can refer to the “How do I enroll?” section on the My Wellness Program website for additional guidance. The registration window opened on Monday, July 6, allowing ample time to join before the challenge’s start date.
How to Log Activities
Once enrolled, participants log their tech‑free activities via the same portal. After logging in, they click the “Challenges” tile, select “Digital Detox Challenge,” choose the appropriate date, and enter the description of the activity completed. After confirming the details, they click “Submit” to record the entry. The system requires that the previous week’s activities be logged before the start of each new week, ensuring timely tracking and accountability. This simple process helps participants stay on target and provides a clear record for point allocation.
Earning My Wellness Points and Prize Eligibility
To receive the 25 My Wellness points, participants must meet the weekly goal of at least three logged tech‑free activities for each of the four challenge weeks and have all entries submitted by the end of the day on Monday, August 10. Meeting the weekly threshold also automatically enters individuals into a weekly prize giveaway, with winners drawn each Sunday at 7 p.m. The dual incentive structure—points for overall completion and immediate prizes for weekly success—aims to maintain motivation throughout the month‑long initiative.
Timeline and Critical Deadlines
The challenge officially begins on Monday, July 13 and concludes on Sunday, August 9. All activity logging must be completed by the end of the day on Monday, August 10 to count toward points and prize eligibility. Registration opened earlier, on Monday, July 6, giving employees a week to sign up before the start date. After the challenge ends, the My Wellness program year finishes on August 14, making this the final chance to secure the 25‑point reward for the year. Keeping these dates in mind helps participants plan their tech‑free activities and avoid missing the submission cutoff.
Spiritual Wellness Opportunities Beyond the Challenge
Recognizing that holistic well‑being extends beyond digital habits, the university provides a range of spiritual wellness resources for faculty and staff. The Faber Center, a longstanding hub for spiritual support, has offered dedicated programming and counseling for over two decades. Additionally, the Office of Mission and Ministry is currently hosting the Ignatian Summer Series, a collection of hands‑on experiences designed to help participants slow down, connect with others, and discern the divine in everyday life. These initiatives complement the Digital Detox Challenge by encouraging deeper reflection and community engagement.
Faber Center and Ignatian Summer Series Details
The Faber Center provides a welcoming environment where employees can attend workshops, meditation sessions, and one‑on‑one spiritual guidance appointments. Its mission is to nurture inner peace and resilience through faith‑based and contemplative practices. Simultaneously, the Ignatian Summer Series features events such as guided retreats, service projects, and discussion groups rooted in Ignatian spirituality. These activities invite participants to explore questions of purpose, gratitude, and mindfulness, offering practical tools for integrating spiritual wellness into daily routines. Both resources are accessible to all faculty and staff seeking to enrich their inner lives alongside physical and mental health efforts.
Additional Resources and Closing Thoughts
For those looking to expand their wellness toolkit, the university’s My Spiritual Health page, Faculty and Staff Resources page, and Mission and Ministry page compile a comprehensive list of offerings, including counseling services, wellness workshops, and community‑building events. By combining the Digital Detox Challenge’s focus on reducing screen time with these spiritual wellness opportunities, employees can cultivate a more balanced, reflective, and connected lifestyle. As the final challenge of the My Wellness program year, it serves as a timely reminder that stepping away from technology can open space for meaningful growth, both personally and within the university community.