Is your digital life starting to feel more like a tangled web of chaos than a well-oiled machine? Today we’re diving into the world of tech simplification – and trust me, it’s a game-changer.

In a world where we’re constantly connected, it’s all too easy for our digital lives to spiral out of control and become a clutter nightmare rather than an aid to make our work/life calmer and in flow.

Reclaiming control is simpler than you might think. So, grab your favorite device (yes, even if it’s the one contributing to the chaos) and let’s get started!

Audit Your Digital Clutter: The first step to decluttering your digital life is taking stock of what you have. 

Streamline your Apps:  Take 10 minutes and do this

Count how many apps do you have on your phone. Is it more or less than you thought? How many productivity apps do you have on your phone? How many note-taking tools, project management platforms, and communication channels do you use on a daily basis? Instead of juggling multiple tools that essentially do the same thing, choose one or two that work best for you and stick with them. Simplifying your toolkit will not only save you time but also reduce decision fatigue.

Audit your apps one by one  

• What is the purpose of this app?  (Fire)
• does it add value? (Water)
• is it simple to use? (Air)
• you use it? (Earth)

Yes – keep  No – delete

Subscriptions and notifications – unsubscribe and unfollow

Next up, it’s time to tackle the endless stream of emails and notifications that flood your inbox and phone screen. Take a few minutes to: 

• unsubscribe from newsletters you never read, 
• unfollow social media accounts that don’t bring you joy, and 
• turn off notifications for apps that distract you from what really matters. 
• If you get distracted by the red notification numbers appearing on your app home screen, for an iphone click the side button rapidly 3 X and your screen will turn black and white.  The colour red is designed to draw your attention, so claim your attention back. 

Tabs – take 5 minutes and do this…

Having too many tabs open can put a strain on the performance of your device and also your focus.  Though it seems convenient to have multiple tabs open, often we don’t close them.  Simplify work/flow by only having the essentials.

• How many tabs do you have open in your web browser right now? 
• Close what you don’t need right now.  If you want to keep the website address, bookmark or create a note.

      Streamline Your Tools: Digital Detox: Once a week do this….

Just like our bodies need a break from time to time, so do our digital devices. Schedule regular “digital detox” days where you unplug completely – no screens, no devices, just good old-fashioned analog activities. Trust me, a day spent reading a book, going for a walk, or catching up with friends can work wonders for your mental health and creativity.

Practice Mindful Tech Use: daily simple habits….

Finally, let’s talk about mindfulness. In a world where our devices are constantly vying for our attention, it’s more important than ever to be intentional about how we use technology. Set boundaries around your tech use – whether it’s designating tech-free zones in your home or implementing “no-phone” hours before bed – and stick to them. Remember, technology is a tool to enhance our lives, not dictate them.

By simplifying your tech habits, you’ll free up more time and mental space for the things that truly matter. So go ahead, embrace the digital minimalist within you, and reclaim control of your digital destiny. Your future self will thank you for it!