Digital minimalism is seen as pretentious and corny until it starts to work you. Taking good measures to reduce your screen time can easily lead to a better quality of life but some of you are not ready for this conversation. Yet.
What is digital minimalism and how does it help you?
Digital minimalism is the practice of mindful acts on electronic devices that can help you reduce your screen time and therefore what your eyes are subject to (I am talking about those brain-rot Reels, yes).
With digital minimalism, you can actually go out there and touch some grass instead of scrolling, refreshing and hoping that your crush has seen your story (take the L and move on FFS).
Is digital minimalism difficult to get started with?
If a bozo asks you to lock your phone for 8 hours after work or school then yes, digital minimalism is difficult.
If you don't listen to that bozo then it is definitely easy to start with digital minimalism.
Is digital minimalism for boomers and millennials?
Digital minimalism works for all, irrespective of what your age is. Your phone is probably the biggest yapper you have. You need to ask it to shut it.
You're not a pretentious for wanting to journal, get into minimalism or read blog posts. If you are concerned about the time you spend on your phone or screens in general then this is a good start.
Digital Minimalism for First Timers
If you want to get into digital minimalism I assume that your first and biggest problem will be your phone.
Let's be honest - it is easily accessible to most people including you, there's good WiFi/mobile data to support doom-scrolling and I bet that no work gets done on the laptop.
So let's start with fixing our common vices while over-using the phone.
Digital Minimalism for Your Phone
If you want to start off with being a minimalist on your phone, we need to look at the first few problems that cause spikes in your usage behaviour.
- There should be zero apps and widgets on your home screen; these add to unnecessary thought processes and panics when you unlock your phone.
- Your wallpaper should be a flat colour. It may sound extreme but you don't want to be distracted by thoughts of your favourite anime or sports team.
- Yeet the apps you no longer use. There is zero need for them and they take your attention every time you see them on your screen.
- Low power mode or battery saving mode can help you slow down that phone of yours. This break in your usage behaviour will allow you to not bother with these experiences.
- Greyscale mode - once your phone shows only black and white as colours, you are bound to find it more boring.
- Set your volume to zero; this will help you lose context to short form video and other content pieces that require audio.
Control Notifications for the best Digital Minimalism experience
Control over your notifications is control over your mood. Annoying texts from a co-worker after work hours or just rage bait articles can ruin your mood.
For digital minimalism to work, you must understand that your peace comes before everyone else's need to notify you.
I don't want to see a 5% dip in my portfolio before I head to sleep; it will ruin my mood and now there's no sleep either. You will probably then find me on X trying to research about what went wrong. Then I will be on some grifter's YouTube channel who's trying too hard to explain what's wrong.
See notifications from people close to you; turn off everything else.
- Work emails and Slack during work hours only.
- Messages from friends and family during your personal hours.
- Notifications from food delivery, news apps and social media turned off apart from essential messages.
- Do Not Disturb mode for when you really need to lock in.
- Sleep mode so you don't get useless info right before you head to sleep.
All of these steps feel like a chore in your effort to understand digital minimalism but they eventually bring positive changes.
What are the benefits of digital minimalism
With digital minimalism, you are taking control away from your 6 inch screen and putting it back in your hand. With digital minimalism, you are following your goals better and not being distracted by lazy copywriting from some shopping app.
- Increased focus - you only lift up your phone when you really need to get something done.
- Saving money - you don't fall for these quick deals and flash sales brands promotes via notifications on their apps.
- Avoiding irritation - the group chat could argue over some minor inconvenience for hours and you will be tucked in nicely and away from all the drama.
- Devoid of doomscrolling - over time you start to understand the banality of doomscrolling and find meaning in doing actual work.
- Saving time and energy - you get to keep the peace and work your way through the schedule you have set for yourself.
If you are keen on digital minimalism and want to track your life in a simple spreadsheet, The Minimalist Spreadsheet might be of help.
I am a minimalist generalist helping people out to perform well and do better.
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