Digital Minimalism: Where to Start, What to Aim For, No BS!

Practicing digital minimalism is a process of intentionally and actively thinking about the role technology plays in our lives, and taking steps to reduce its impact.

The aim of digital minimalism is help you find a better balance between the digital and the physical world.

Disconnect, by Mckayla Crump

I’ve been a minimalist for a bit over 5 years, so here’s a list of processes and micro habits I’ve implemented and that have significantly increased my life satisfaction:

1. First off, this is something I learned along the way but wish I thought about earlier in my journey: identify my goals. What is it that you hope to achieve by practicing digital minimalism? Are you looking to reduce stress and anxiety? Improve your relationships? Increase your productivity? Having specific goals in mind will help you focus your efforts.
2. Delete all the apps you don’t use regularly: this one is pretty straightforward and helps with mental fog and decision fatigue.
3. Sift through and delete all the unread/undesired emails in your mailbox: Here’s the real cost of your full mailbox.
4. Unsubscribe from all the lists that keep sending you updates, offers and newsletters that you hardly ever read: it may not seem like it but most of that stuff is costly in mental energy (c.f. decision fatigue), carbon emissions and anxiety as well.
5. Organize your photos in folders and delete all copies and similar photos: easier said than done, innit?
6. Disable unnecessary notifications, especially the ones on social media: I personally only kept incoming calls and text message, as those are the ones I use the most with my family and friends.
7. Track your usage: Keep track of how much time you spend on your digital devices and on which apps: this will give you a sense of where your time is going and which activities are taking up the most of it.
8. Prioritize: Based on your goals and usage data, make a list of the digital tools and activities that bring you the most value. Identify which apps, websites, or social media platforms you find most useful and which are the most distracting, and delete those.
9. Set limits: Create rules for yourself about when and how you will use technology. For example, you might decide to promote your work on social media only twice a day, or to turn off your phone after 8PM (except on game night ^^). I’ve implemented both and my life has never been better !
10. Take regular breaks: avoid using your phone when you’re outside, traveling, hiking. It’ll change the relationship you know have with it.
11. Designate a “digital-free” zone(s) in your home: Bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, choose one or more and stick to that :)
12. Be mindful: Be mindful of your behavior while using technology. It is easy to get caught up in the endless scroll or the constant notifications, but try to be aware of when you are being pulled in and pull back.
13. Reflect: Reflect on your progress and evaluate if you are achieving your goals. If not, adjust your plan accordingly. Digital minimalism is a LONG process, so don’t be afraid to adjust as you go, that’s how most of us operate.

Digital minimalism is not about giving up technology entirely, but about being intentional and mindful about the role it plays in your life.

Reach out to me or leave me a comment if you have any specific questions, I’m always happy to help guys :)

I hope you enjoyed this piece !

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Teekay.