When digital media make your real life disorganised, it is time to opt for digital minimalism. Here is how to start…
Most people spend hours online for leisure activities or entertainment purposes like watching videos, listening music, chatting on social media, playing online games, etc.
If you are one of them, you must take charge of your digital life right now. Otherwise, it will take charge of your real life very soon.
Digital minimalism is all about utilizing digital technology efficiently.
Digital minimalism is to live with the intention to spend time in activities which add value to our life. The ultimate goal is to minimize distractions in life.
Tips to Declutter Your Online Life
Set screen time for yourself and follow it diligently.
Try to stay away from digital world once a week. Don’t touch your phone, laptop, desktop on that day.
Keep some time aside in your daily routine for an offline activity that does not require any electronics devices and stay connected with real life.
Some suggested activities to escape the internet are - walking, jogging, gardening, sewing, playing board games, singing, baking, etc.
Make it a habit to check Emails on phone only 3-5 times a day.
Checking Emails multiple times can be stressful. At the end of the day, remove all unwanted mails from the inbox.
Maintain a fixed time of the day when you will go online to check social media.
Try not to spend more than 30 minutes in social media activities.
Downloading media content like movies, music and podcasts is not a great idea.
Whenever possible, opt for streaming, live or on-demand.
Sign out from all those social media accounts that you rarely use.
Turn off notifications from apps, social media accounts and subscribed YouTube channels.
Then your mind does not have any compulsion to react to every relevant / irrelevant notification from social media / app.
Switch off your phone and laptop 2 hours before bedtime. If you are fond of reading, read a book instead. Or, spend some quite time with yourself.
SIGNING OFF WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP Be alert. Don’t give in to the temptation of going back to old habits once you have started digital minimalism.