1) Build a support system<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSpeaking up is the first step to normalizing a screen-free lifestyle. I\u2019m growing more comfortable talking about my need to unplug. By bringing up the issue, I\u2019ve learned that my entire social circle is experiencing digital overwhelm too. Once we broke the stigma, we were able to help each other stay on track. The best part was setting new standards for response times; nobody feels guilty for waiting until it\u2019s convenient to reply to texts and emails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) Replace some technology with analog alternatives\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nUsing a smartphone to update my calendar or grocery list often led to wasting time on other apps. I avoid that temptation now by using a paper notebook for planning and list making. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) Turn off most notifications\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPhone calls and text messages are the only phone features I allow notifications from. I check email and other apps at my convenience instead of reacting every time a notification appears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) Use Do Not Disturb mode<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom 9pm to 6am every day my phone is in automated Do Not Disturb mode. I also turn on Do Not Disturb manually while I\u2019m working or driving. In case of emergencies, I allow text message overrides from anyone on my contact list who types \u201curgent.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5) Unsubscribe and unfollow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt was easy to decide which blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts to leave behind once I started considering how much I\u2019d be willing to pay for their updates. Any content that I wouldn\u2019t spend money on isn\u2019t worth my time either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6) Dock your phone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPortability makes our devices even more addictive. I used to carry my smartphone around in my pocket even when I was at home. Now I keep devices near the garage door. When I get an urge to use my phone, I\u2019m forced to pause and decide if I want to walk across the house to collect it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7) Time-block online activities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nScheduling specific time slots for all nonessential tech use makes both my online and offline time more focused. When I think of an optional online task, I write it down as a reminder for later instead of grabbing my phone right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
8) Set personalized conditions for addictive apps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSome digital minimalists have resolved to only watch Netflix with family or friends. Others won\u2019t use social media until chores are finished. The biggest game changer for me was creating a smartphone folder labeled \u201cbike.\u201d Apps in that folder are only options if I\u2019m riding my stationary bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My quarantine experience taught me to abandon all-or-nothing thinking about technology. I now have the tools to maintain a screen-life balance even in difficult circumstances. Time for higher priorities plus a calm, focused state of mind have been my rewards for practicing digital minimalism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope the eight strategies above will help you accomplish your goals as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
***<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leslie Watson is an eco-minimalist from the West Coast, USA where she works as an elementary school teaching assistant. She shares her articles on Linktree<\/a>. You can also find her on Instagram<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This is a guest post from Leslie Watson of Less Haste And Less Waste. Four months after reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, I thought I had analog living all figured out. I spent two uncomfortable weeks detoxing from my standard American smartphone addiction until my tech cravings subsided. I was keeping so busy offline […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":24224,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"0","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false},"categories":[440],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
How I Got Digital Minimalism Right The Second Time Around<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n