Throughout quarantine and social distancing, I’ve been spending some my time revising assignments and projects for school, deleting unnecessary and duplicate files, and trying to stay off social media as much as possible. Removing digital clutter helps me feel productive, especially on days when I haven’t felt like I’ve gotten as much done as I could’ve.

Why incorporate digital minimalism into your online presence and workflow?

• To be more intentional about how you use technology (personal, work).

• To remove distractions, create a workflow, and create a system for where things are stored (organization).

• If you have the feeling of being busy, but not getting anything done.

A few my favorite videos on digital minimalism:

• Kraig Adams’ Digital Minimalism

• Matt D’Avella’s A Guide to Digital Minimalism

• Nathaniel Drew’s Digital Minimalism: A Beginner’s Guide

Notes: Things consider when diving in to digital minimalism: email, files & storage, internet, iPhone, and social media.

• Email: Decide what ecosystem will house your email (Apple Mail, Gmail, etc.). Will your personal email and work email be forwarded to the same ecosystem? I’m considering removing my work email from the mail app. on my computer to avoid unintentionally checking it during the evening or weekend. Unsubscribe from newsletters and advertisements. Decide the frequency and time you’ll check email, batch email. Maintain inbox zero. The only emails not filed should be responded to within 24 hours (rare). 

• Files & storage: How will you organize files stored on your computer? (GoogleDrive, Drop Box, external hard drive) Keep computer desktop clean. Create folders and sub-folders, color code.

• Internet: Match Google Drive folder color labels with browser folders (a la Nathaniel Drew). I currently use Safari, but see the benefit to using Chrome when already using Gmail and Google Calendar. 

• iPhone: Remove the possibility for mindless scrolling (move social media apps. off your home screen or delete off your phone). Keep music, podcasts, and Audible on the home screen. Notifications are always off. Do not disturb is always on.

• Social media: Remove all social media shortcuts in your browser. Unfollow people you haven’t spoken to in years. Delete brands you’re no longer interested in. Remove distracting sensationalized news.