We often think of minimalism as having a clean living room or a capsule wardrobe. However, in the modern age, our digital environment is just as important as our physical one. A cluttered desktop, an overflowing inbox, and a phone full of unused apps create visual noise that drains your cognitive energy. This is where digital minimalism comes in.
Unlike a “digital detox,” which is a temporary break, digital minimalism is a lifestyle choice. It involves curating your digital tools so they serve you rather than distract you.
Start with your smartphone. Delete apps you haven’t used in the last three months. Turn off all non-human notifications. You need to know when your boss texts you; you do not need to know that a stranger liked your photo on Instagram. Move distinct “time-wasting” apps to a folder on the second page of your home screen to add friction to opening them.
Next, tackle your email. Unsubscribe ruthlessly. If you delete a newsletter every week without reading it, unsubscribe. Use filters to automatically sort receipts and notifications into folders so your primary inbox only contains messages that require action.
Finally, organize your desktop files. A screen covered in random screenshots creates subconscious stress every time you open your laptop. Create a simple folder structure (e.g., “Work,” “Personal,” “Finances”) and spend 5 minutes every Friday filing things away. By keeping your digital space clean, you protect your focus and reduce low-level anxiety.
