1. Eliminate the Excess

When I first got my smartphone and set up email and social media accounts, I was unprepared for the overwhelming influx of information. Realizing how distracted I felt, I began to cut through the clutter. I became adept at hitting "unsubscribe," ensuring that my email inbox contained only valuable content. Instead of abandoning my main email, I tackled the cleanup in small increments, discovering that only a few subscriptions truly mattered.

I also muted notifications, only keeping alerts for essential phone calls. Most notifications can wait, as life is not an emergency. Research indicates that task-switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%.

2. Rethink Social Media

I was surprised to learn that 72% of American adults engage with social media, often daily. Despite having my accounts for over a decade, I'm considering deleting them due to their detrimental impact on my mental well-being. A study highlighted the negative correlation between Facebook usage and life satisfaction, reminding me that digital connections rarely equate to meaningful in-person relationships.

As a creator, the pressure to compare myself on these platforms was intense. I decided to unfollow everyone on Instagram and remove over 2,000 Facebook friends. This will help me identify who I genuinely miss, while prioritizing my mental health over digital presence.

3. Establish Personal Boundaries

Like many, I never learned how to set boundaries. As a sensitive and creative person, safeguarding my energy has been transformative. I've started using the "block" feature more liberally, curating my digital experience to be emotionally safe and enjoyable.

When I notice I'm overusing a platform, I reflect on it. Keeping my evenings free for relaxation or social activities has positively impacted my well-being. Limiting email checks enhances my focus, and scheduling based on energy levels rather than strict time management feels more aligned with my needs.

4. Be Selective with Subscriptions

I once believed that connecting digitally was always courteous. However, if I'm not genuinely interested in someone's journey, following them doesn't feel sincere. Inspired by writer Michael Thompson, I've become more discerning in my digital connections, which has led to greater engagement with the few I still follow.

5. Use Tools that Resonate

Having worked in tech UX, I often felt pressure to adopt the latest apps and gadgets, which sometimes led to feelings of inadequacy. I realized that my worth isn't tied to technical skills. Now, I focus on utilizing the tools I enjoy and need, letting go of unhelpful comparisons.

6. Change Your Self-Talk About Technology

Despite studying communication and journalism, I often told myself I was "bad at technology." A conversation with a software engineer friend helped me understand that proficiency comes from learning progressively. Technology can be confusing and imperfect, so when faced with challenges, I remind myself to evaluate the tool rather than my capabilities.

7. Simplify Your Applications

Inspired by Courtney Carver, I recently removed all apps from my iPhone home screen. Each visible app represents endless choices, and being selective about which ones I keep has created more mental space. I apply the same decluttering questions I use for physical items to my digital landscape, such as "Does this bring me joy?" and "Why do I hold onto this?"

8. Schedule Regular Digital Detoxes

I often notice people absorbed in their screens, and I've fallen into the habit of checking my phone mindlessly. To promote better sleep and mindfulness, I've started taking digital breaks. Mornings begin with at least an hour away from my phone, and I turn off screens an hour before bed to signal my body to wind down.

Throughout the day, I leave devices in other rooms to tune into my feelings. When I feel overwhelmed, I find a tech-free walk or bath rejuvenating. I strive to go without technology for hours or days, often emerging with a refreshing sense of clarity and reduced stress. Research by Dr. Mary Gomes shows that unplugging enhances awareness, improves sleep quality, and fosters deeper connections.

Reflecting on my relationship with technology—from my first flip phone at age 15 to the challenges posed by social media—I've realized the importance of intentionality. Through consistent reflection and healthy boundaries, I'm able to cultivate focus, creativity, and presence in my life.

Have you made any significant changes to your tech habits recently? Any surprising insights? I’d love to hear from you.

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This video discusses eight lessons learned from embracing digital minimalism, highlighting how these principles can significantly improve one’s life.

This video explores simple tech rules that can transform your life, offering practical strategies for implementing digital minimalism.