Digital minimalism is about being intentional with our use of technology. It is looking at every app and website we use regularly and asking ourselves if it’s necessary. Does it add something to your life, or can you live without it? Once you have removed all of the unnecessary distractions, it is about using the remaining tools with intention and maximizing their full potential. The main goal is to reduce screen time and spend more time doing the things that matter the most.
Excessive screen time has been found to have a link to many health problems such as obesity, diabetes and sleep problems, and an increase in loneliness and depression. All of those productivity apps you have on your phone could actually be having a negative impact on your health and productivity. All of the social networks you have on your phone could be increasing your sense of loneliness and negatively affecting your mental health.
So, how do you get started with digital minimalism and reduce your screen time? Here are our top tips:
Cull your apps – ruthlessly
Think Mari Kondo in terms of technology. If a particular game brings you joy and doesn’t take up too much of your time, it gets to stay on the keep pile. If a social media app you only visit because you get notifications throughout the day is sapping away at your day, get it in the bin.
Organize your phone apps
Once you have culled your apps, try organizing them into folders.
Save all work apps, such as email and productivity apps in one folder and all of your social media apps in another. When you know where everything is on your phone, it will take less time to find things which will also reveal what isn’t needed.
Switch off notifications
This is a no-brainer. If you are trying to focus on your work or enjoy time with your family, the seemingly endless pings can be distracting and almost impossible to ignore.
If you can’t switch them off completely, at least silence them.
Have one dedicated productivity app and calendar
With the endless variety of productivity apps on the market, it can be hard to choose just one. Having numerous planners, list makers, and project management apps can get confusing and means more time spent in front of your screen. Having one dedicated app and calendar to manage your work and schedule simplifies the process, reduces screen time and increases productivity.
Have a set time to check your emails
Instead of sitting there checking your emails every five minutes throughout the day, or having your notifications on and reading emails as they come through, try only checking them 2-3 times a day. Try morning, after lunch, and at the end of the workday. This way, you reduce your screen time, freeing up time during the day and not getting behind with emails.
Have a dedicated time slot for social media
If you are like most people, you won’t be able to resist checking your social media throughout the day. Give yourself an allotted time to scroll and update your socials; it will drastically reduce your screen time, making you more productive and healthier in the process.
There are many benefits to adopting a more digital minimalist lifestyle and reducing screen time, such as improved productivity, better sleep, more quality time with your family and better overall health.
But, remember to take small steps.
You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle in one day. Just making one simple change can have a massive impact over time.
Like what we have to say? Sign up to subscribe to email alerts and you’ll never miss a post.
