Digital minimalism
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use a screen-time app with a lock screen and confirmation pop-up to train your brain to pause before opening distracting apps.
The friction trains the brain to pause, helping you realize how much time is lost to scrolling.
one person who lived it
Move your phone to a different room if you intend to complete any work.
4 people, independently
If you want to avoid checking your phone immediately upon waking, stop charging it overnight so you must wait for battery before use.
The delay forces you to use the time for other activities like tidying or reading instead of diving into the phone.
one person who lived it
Remove the TV from your bedroom to prevent passive consumption from taking over your evening once you get into bed.
Having the TV in the room led to losing control of the evening as soon as work clothes came off.
one person who lived it
One approach that helped: delete all internet accounts except for essential services like email and shopping.
It reduces distraction, though it is very hard to do.
one person who lived it
If you are not ready to delete your social media accounts permanently, disable them temporarily.
It can be life-changing.
one person who lived it
Turn off notifications at night to reduce distractions in the morning.
It results in fewer distractions when you wake up.
one person who lived it
Turn off non-essential notifications to stop wasting willpower on constant micro-decisions about whether to look at your phone.
Every notification forces a decision that costs willpower.
one person who lived it
Delete social media accounts and apps to stop wasting time on bitterness and anger, keeping only limited entertainment sources.
One person deleted all social accounts and apps (leaving only Reddit and TikTok for entertainment) to gain free time to get their life together.
one person who lived it
4 more on this
Consciously monitor and reduce time spent on social media; consider deleting accounts if possible.
Deleting social networks can be life changing.
one person who lived it
Reduce excessive browsing on social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter.
4 people, independently
- Limit social media use to avoid mindless scrolling, checking only infrequently or when necessary.3
Regularly delete old, unnecessary, or junk photos.
It keeps memories concise.
one person who lived it
Limit phone usage to essential functions like messages, timers, calculators, and alarms.
one person who lived it