Have you lost hours scrolling through Facebook, and then jump onto other social media apps just because you are bored? You are not alone.
Lockdown seems to have intensified our need to stay connected. We also rely on our devices for just about everything, so much so that we have built entire personas online.
Not all things digital are bad. But if we are to be more intentional about what we share online, we definitely need to take the less is more approach.
Here are a few tips from eco-minimalist Leslie Watson on how she adopted healthier digital habits:
BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Speaking up is the first step to normalising a screen-free lifestyle. By bringing up the issue, I’ve learned that my entire social circle is experiencing digital overwhelm too. Once we broke the stigma, we were able to help each other stay on track.
Using a smartphone to update my calendar or grocery list often led to wasting time on other apps. I avoid that temptation now by using a paper notebook for planning and list making.
Phone calls and text messages are the only phone features I allow notifications from. I check email and other apps at my convenience instead of reacting every time a notification appears.
From 9pm to 6am every day my phone is in automated Do Not Disturb mode. I also turn on Do Not Disturb manually while I’m working or driving. In case of emergencies, I allow text message overrides from anyone on my contact list who types “urgent.”
It was easy to decide which blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts to leave behind once I started considering how much I’d be willing to pay for their updates. Any content that I wouldn’t spend money on isn’t worth my time either.
Portability makes our devices even more addictive. I used to carry my smartphone around in my pocket even when I was at home. Now I keep devices near the garage door. When I get an urge to use my phone, I’m forced to pause and decide if I want to walk across the house to collect it.
Scheduling specific time slots for all nonessential tech use makes both my online and offline time more focused. When I think of an optional online task, I write it down as a reminder for later instead of grabbing my phone right away.
Some digital minimalists have resolved to only watch Netflix with family or friends. Others won’t use social media until chores are finished. The biggest game changer for me was creating a smartphone folder labelled “bike.” Apps in that folder are only options if I’m riding my stationary bike.
My quarantine experience taught me to abandon all-or-nothing thinking about technology. I now have the tools to maintain a screen-life balance even in difficult circumstances. Time for higher priorities plus a calm, focused state of mind have been my rewards for practicing digital minimalism.
I hope the eight strategies above will help you accomplish your goals as well.
Share this article:
