ByMinimalism is less about the number of things you own and more about being aware of where your time, money, and attention goes to. Most of us spent quite some time in the companionship of our technology. If you are into simplifying your life, you should rethink your technology use at some point! Mindless consumption is a problem, even if the resources aren’t material. Constant stimulation decreases our attention span and takes our focus away from the things that matter. Being “bored” is necessary for reflection and critical thinking and also, real life is offline.
Inbox
Prioritize organizing your email inbox by subscribing to essential topics and categorizing them by platform. This minimizes distractions when checking for important emails, fostering a more streamlined digital experience.
News
Challenge the notion of being constantly informed about everything. Limit news intake to topics of personal interest, relying on real-world interactions to stay informed about major international events. Acknowledge that media may not always provide a fair representation of the world.
Social media
Reduce time and negative emotions by minimizing social media usage. Maintain a minimal Facebook profile for contacts, unfollowing non-essential content. Utilize email notifications for private messages to avoid constant website checks. Selectively engage in social media channels based on personal preferences and interests.
Digital “possessions”
Optimize digital storage by keeping hard drives minimal. Regularly delete unnecessary files and prioritize streaming over storing movies and music. Maintain a streamlined phone by restoring it to factory settings periodically.
Your phone
Manage phone usage by deleting apps, turning off notifications, and avoiding automatic inbox synchronization. Eliminate distractions and focus on productive tasks, minimizing time spent on the device.
One tab at a time
Adopt a focused approach by limiting open tabs to one at a time. Avoid multitasking, as it negatively affects attention span. Consider turning off WiFi when concentration is essential for a specific task.
Digital detox
Promote well-being by avoiding devices before bedtime and upon waking. Experiment with periodic digital detox days, abstaining from technology for a day each week to relax and recharge.
Streaming
Avoid excessive time wastage on streaming platforms. Refrain from subscribing to streaming services and cable TV. Maintain a watch list on platforms like IMDB for intentional and planned content consumption.
Commuting
Appreciate moments of stillness during commuting instead of constantly engaging in activities. Reconnect with the calming experience of being present in the surroundings without the need for constant stimulation.
Green browsing
It doesn’t get any easier than this: you can support green businesses while browsing the net! Try Ecosia instead of your traditional browser, as 80% of their profits go to planting trees.
Now don’t get me wrong, I sometimes struggle with procrastinating on the internet too. While embracing a mindful approach to technology usage may require practice, these suggestions aim to assist in cultivating a more intentional and simplified digital lifestyle. I hope you find my list helpful!
