The digital and online tools that we are fortunate to have at our disposal bring many benefits, but sometimes they can be all-consuming, even overwhelming. Digital minimalism may offer a solution in that it encourages finding the right balance between using technology and taking a break from it – that is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle in our increasingly digital world.
Last summer I was on a trip in the countryside, in a remote part of the UK, without any cell service or 3G (let alone 5G), so I unwittingly ended up going cold-turkey on all things digital, and it was amazing! Since then, I have tried to embrace digital minimalism – inspired by Cal Newport’s 2020 book Digital Minimalism – by taking a break for 48 hours, or 24 hours if I have a load of deadlines, every two or three months.
I notice a boost in productivity afterwards, and better sleep, plus, interacting face-to-face is actually fun and often much more direct. You will feel the benefit if you can use the time that you free up by taking a break for self-care.
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8 Simple Ways to Detox Your Digital Life
If you are looking for ways to begin escaping today’s hyperconnected world for a short time or just some suggestions of how to ease yourself in gently, here are my eight tips.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Start by defining periods when and/or where your digital devices will be off-limits. You could designate specific times when you will turn off your notifications and not check your cell, like when you are eating or an hour before you go to bed. Making the dining room or bedroom tech-free zones helps to reinforce these boundaries.
Being really strict with yourself about checking work emails and messages outside of working hours is a key part of putting in place strategies for digital minimalism. See my piece Setting Boundaries for Self Care – 5 Easy Tips for more about how to do this.
2. Limit Time on Apps
Most devices allow you to see how long you are spending on various apps, so it is easy to get a clear understanding of your usage. Apple IOS devices have an option (Screen Time in Settings) to set limits, but there are apps that do this for Android too, such as Digital Wellbeing app. Aim to cut down by a third the ones you use most. Giving yourself less time on apps, particularly social media and gaming ones, will make you use apps more intentionally and avoid mindless scrolling.
3. Find Offline Activities
Rediscovering analog activities is a surprisingly enjoyable benefit of unplugging every now and then. Many of us are used to relying on our devices for communication, entertainment, education, games and more, so past-times that require us to engage more physically than tapping on our screens have taken a back seat.
Since incorporating regular breaks from technology into my life, I’ve rediscovered old hobbies such as reading actual (paper!) books and I have taken up new ones, such as crocheting, which is surprisingly meditative.
4. Schedule Time Away From Screens
If, like most people, you work at a computer, it’s not really an option to completely avoid screens. So, prioritizing taking short breaks regularly is all the more important. Recently, I’ve been setting calendar reminders to go for a coffee away from my desk, or a walk or a run at lunch time – admittedly, I am usually wearing my Apple watch so it’s not a total break!
5. Leave Your Cell at Home
I completely empathize if the idea of doing this is scary. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone at first – it is natural to feel uncomfortable about being “incommunicado”, particularly if you have family that depend on you. I try to do this a couple of times a week, usually when I am shopping or running some other errands locally.
I take a notepad in case I need to write something down and have not needed to take a photo when out and about so far, but if you don’t have a traditional camera then that could be the tricky part. I am planning to build up gradually to a whole day without a cell.
6. Go Outdoors
Spending time on nature-based hobbies is a great way to take a break from screens. There is a growing body of research that points to a connection between spending time in nature and better physical and mental health. Exposure to natural light and physical activity during outdoor hobbies is said to positively impact sleep quality – I have certainly noticed that I sleep well after spending long periods outside. Many nature-based hobbies can be enjoyed in a social context, such as group hikes or community gardening projects, fostering a sense of community and connection.
7. Use an Alarm Clock
Instead of relying on your devices in the morning, using an analog alarm clock is a simple step toward incorporating digital minimalism into your daily life. By making this switch, you can break the habit of reading your notifications and emails before even getting out of bed.
As well as distancing yourself from the constant digital stimuli, you will create a more serene and intentional start to your day. I recommend using a clock which is non-ticking and has an easy-to-read face.
8. Prioritize Your Well-Being
Although there are huge benefits to disconnecting, embracing digital minimalism also provides a great opportunity to reconnect with yourself and be more present. I have spent my time away from tech doing yoga or just taking a walk in my local area. Not constantly checking your cell means you can fully engage with your surroundings, which will, hopefully, reduce your stress levels.
Final Thoughts
Digital minimalism is a “less is more” approach to using technology that can help you to have a healthier relationship with it. It involves being mindful of digital habits, setting boundaries, and periodically taking breaks to disconnect and recharge. By putting in place some of these suggested strategies, you can use technology intentionally, as a way of enhancing, rather than controlling your life on a 24-7 basis.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this piece about digital minimalism. Feel free to pin and share this article, and come back soon to discover the latest posts!