Minimizing Digital Clutter

Giving yourself the gift of physical space through minimalism can be cleansing. What people sometimes forget is the same concept can be applied to your online and digital space.

Maybe you've considered deleting your Facebook account but worry without it you will lose touch with friends. Maybe you've tried leaving your phone off but worry you might miss an important call. We can't deny the convenience of the digital age and our love-hate relationship with our smart phones, but that doesn't mean we can't take back our time and intentions to stay grounded in the real and physical world.

More Social - Less Media

Delete apps or turn off notifications

You don't need to delete your social media accounts to reduce your screen time. Simple steps like cleaning up your "follow" list or deleting the apps on your phone can keep you from even realizing you have a notification and checking it.

Meet up in person

If you're worried about missing out on announcement posts and changes in the lives of your friends and family, then use that as an incentive to meet up with that person for coffee and conversation or have them over for dinner. These interactions will be much more meaningful and memorable than that a comment or "like".

Set a timer

If you absolutely must check your feed, then at least set a timer for how much time you think is reasonable to keep from wasting your afternoon scrolling.

Take Note

Start writing lists

If you're like me, then you are constantly making lists: grocery lists, to-do lists, goals lists, etc. I've tried making lists on my phone, but hitting "delete" on a finished task is not as satisfactory as scratching it off.

I love using journals and little notepads to write my lists on. I also love the idea of having these entries to refer back on in the future if need be. 

Use a paper calendar

While it's nice to have your phone remind you about an event coming up, the truth is, we shouldn't have to rely on it. Facebook should not be the reason you know your best friends birthday is next week. If you keep a paper calendar and check it daily, you will be able to remember important events without the help of social media.

Start writing letter correspondence

When was the last time you received a letter in the mail? I mean a handwritten one on actual stationary. If you received one in the last two years, it was probably from someone of an older generation. It more than likely made you feel special. To think that someone sat down and dedicated their time and best handwriting to express their feelings to you. There was no spellcheck button or backspace to edit with, so it's possible they had to start over - maybe even more than once. Wouldn't it feel special to receive a physical card in the mail on your birthday instead of a comment on your Facebook wall? Maybe you can be the one to break out the postage stamps and start the trend. 

Unsubscribe from emails

Take the time to unsubscribe from all those spam emails so you don't have to delete them in the future. It's easier to see the important emails when you don't have to scroll through all the junk.

Phasing Out the Phone 

Out of sight out of mind

Keep your phone in another room or in your purse to avoid checking it.

Use a camera

Document your life the right way. Photos taken with a camera can be so much more beautiful and meaningful. There's a reason you never see a wedding photographer using their phone to take photos of the bride and groom.

Play interactive board games

The problem with online games is you may be playing against a friend, but the interaction is lost. Break out the classic board games where you can actually see the person you are playing against, instead of sitting next to each other and looking down at your phones.