How I Embrace Digital Minimalism, After 8 Years of Simplifying

In our “attention economy,” we need a plan for using tech tools –without them using us.

Growing up, I got my first flip phone at 15 years old. My smartphone and laptop weren’t part of my life until after college. Since then, these two devices have opened up a world of possibilities to create, connect, and find entertainment.

In the last few years, I’ve experienced urgency culture in full force while working at two of the world’s largest tech companies. I had to assertively protect my time and attention to get anything done there.

Thankfully, I started simplifying before getting my first smartphone. Over eight years, I’ve found many ways to remove distractions so I have time for more valuable projects. I embraced minimalism, referring to the process of releasing the unnecessary to make space for what matters.

Like psychedelic drugs, using technology demands a healthy level of respect for its mind-altering capabilities. You need regular reflection, objectivity, and awareness of psychological impact.

In our attention economy, it’s critical that we cultivate a healthy relationship with our tech tools. Rather than getting sucked into mindless, addictive patterns, we need to get back in the driver’s seat.

You always know what’s best for you; so rather than creating a new “to-do” list, I hope these insights inspire you to reflect on your digital approach.

1. Determine top values

When choosing projects and focusing your attention, it really helps to prioritize your values. I really like how Brene Brown spells it out in her values exercise. Once you’ve selected your top two, consider how your tech tools support or don’t support those values.

Eliminate the tools that aren’t supporting you. You can also take breaks from certain apps, then see if you actually need them later.

2. Create personal boundaries

Working in the corporate world, I felt pressured to be tuned in to group chat threads and my email throughout the day. One senior coworker told me to keep the group chats open when I’m at work.

High-quality multi-tasking is a myth. The more you split your attention, the more drained you feel. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a healthy respect for my attention and energy, and I actively honor my limitations.

While our boundaries will shift, it’s important to prioritize what you need. When we don’t set boundaries, someone else will do that for us, often at our expense. The only people who won’t respect your boundaries are the ones who benefit from you having none.

If setting boundaries sounds like a new or uncomfortable concept for you, I recommend Melody Beattie’s book, “Codependent No More.”

3. Experiment with less

My digital minimalism journey has been a spiral process. I’ve struggled most with using technology to dull our difficult situations and emotions. Rather than absorbing helpful content or creating, I fall into consumption spirals.

Once I’ve reset values and created boundaries, taking baby steps to minimize unhelpful tech use helps. Tidying up your digital space is similar to decluttering physical things. You need systems in place, and you need to figure out why you’re holding on.

For example, reducing my email use has been an important boundary. We often over-use things like email because we want to feel busy and productive. But once you’ve determined things that matter more, it’s easier to create supportive boundaries.

4. Eliminate distractions

Once you examine your tech use, you usually find many things that you don’t enjoy or need: apps, photos, devices, notifications, or platforms that aren’t adding value.

Here are a few things I’ve eliminated that have greatly improved my relationship with technology:

Turn off notifications, especially the sounds: Life is hard enough without “pings” interrupting your attention span. Right now, phone calls are the only sounds that come through. Even then, I use “focus mode” whenever I need it.

Most things can wait, despite our urgency culture messaging. Plus, you can easily switch notifications on and off if needed. If you’re struggling with too much tech noise, turn off the notifications.

Screens off before bedtime: Getting great sleep is one of our most essential health habits. Even on really tough days, I do my bedtime routines. Having a break from screens at the end of the day seriously helps us slow down. My well-being will always be more important than any digital follow-ups.

Set social media boundaries: Sure, there’s some good from connecting with your friends online and sharing photos. However, research continues to show many harmful side effects of social media use. If having these apps is important to you, I encourage you to curate your experience.

• Declutter “friends” and “following”: This has already helped me a lot. By being very selective about who I follow, I prioritize my well-being. Just remember that you’re not responsible for anyone else’s feelings, and it’s easy to resubscribe if you change your mind.
• Create more than you consume: It’s a helpful rule of thumb that has improved my experience. I recommend letting go of comparison and following people who inspire you and your creativity.
• Be mindful about your experience: How does checking these apps make you feel? Which accounts feel helpful or unhelpful? What types of content do you want to share and why? Leave the persona behind and share what genuinely resonates; you’re much more likely to find your people that way.

Maybe my best advice, take tech breaks regularly. Leave your devices in another room. Go spend time in nature. Take a long bath. Or better yet, take a sabbatical for a few days or weeks. When I take these breaks, my stress levels go down noticeably.

Remember, many tech tools are designed to keep you hooked. By controlling your attention, these companies make money. We could spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week consuming content, and never run out.

Being physically near my devices opens up endless possibilities. But by observing the situation, I put myself back in the driver’s seat. I regularly create and adjust boundaries for tech use to prioritize my creativity and well-being. I find ways to tune in rather than tune out.

Increasing intentionality with tech use feels thrilling. Our time is valuable, and digital engagement could easily suck up so many of our hours.

Have you already started exploring digital minimalism? I’d love to know what approaches are working or not working for you.

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle has been a powerful journey. I experience more joy, presence, and creativity by choosing less. I’ve embraced the quirky corners of my existence, and I couldn't recommend this simple lifestyle more.

I write inspiring, uplifting, and empowering content on transformative topics. Join the Weekly Love News on my website to receive free newsletters each Tuesday in your inbox.