Digital detoxDigital minimalism - how much less is more?
Pascal Imbach
25.10.2024
The average person today processes significantly more information than ever before - according to a study by the University of California, San Diego, this amounted to around 34 gigabytes of data per day back in 2009. This figure is likely to have risen massively in recent years due to increasing digitalization. This constant flood of stimuli from emails, messages and social media overloads our brains. But there is an alternative: with a few simple steps, you can reduce your digital consumption and regain more time and energy for the essentials.
25.10.2024, 10:21
28.10.2024, 08:31
Pascal Imbach
A decade or two ago, our daily flow of information was still manageable - a few news items on TV, the newspaper in the morning and maybe a phone call or two. Today, however, the reality is different: Smartphones, social media, constant emails and countless notifications make it difficult to focus on what's important.
This sensory overload often leaves us stressed and overwhelmed and also has a significant negative impact on our mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression and a sense of isolation as face-to-face interactions are replaced by virtual contacts. In addition, the constant distraction impairs our ability to concentrate and our social skills, which puts further strain on interpersonal relationships.
This is precisely where digital minimalism comes in. It involves consciously reducing excessive consumption of digital content and creating space for calm and focus. With targeted strategies, you can regain control over your time and use your attention in a more targeted way.
But how exactly does this work?
1. create mobile-free time slots and screen-free oases
Set clear limits on when and where you use digital devices. For example, ban them from the bedroom or at mealtimes to create real offline moments. Define times when you are consciously online and also times when you put your devices away.
Tip: Use an analog alarm clock instead of your smartphone. And with a daylight alarm clock, you can start the day even more relaxed.
2. keep social media under control instead of the other way around
Set yourself fixed times for social media and consider whether you can deactivate some accounts or reduce the number of platforms. This way, you will lose less time in the digital maelstrom and gain more for activities that really enrich you.
Tip: Install apps such as "Freedom" for Android or iOS to build up healthy habits for using your cell phone in the long term.
3. there is strength in tranquillity
Constant notifications disrupt your focus and can cause stress. Turn off all unnecessary notifications, especially for emails and social media, to be more intentional about when you engage with your digital tasks.
Tip: Use the "do not disturb" mode and set special "focus times" in your calendar.
4. set yourself time limits
Use the functions on your smartphone to limit your screen time. For example, you can set how long you are allowed to use social media or other apps each day. This helps to minimize unconscious time wasters.
Tip: Set a daily screen time limit, for example one hour, and receive a notification when you reach this limit. The "Digital Wellbeing" (Android) or "Screen Time" (iOS) function will help you with this.
5. take regular digital time-outs
Plan conscious offline times to recover from constant networking. A whole day without digital devices every week can help you to clear your thoughts and refocus on the here and now.
Tip: Use this time to learn mindfulness exercises, start writing a diary, meditate or read a book.
6. consume digital content more consciously
Instead of randomly scrolling through feeds, consciously decide what content you want to consume. Ask yourself: Does this content enrich your life? Sort out what is not useful or inspiring.
Tip: Declutter your social media feeds from time to time and remove accounts that don't offer you any added value.
7. create digital order
Delete unused apps, sort your files and organize your desktop. A tidy digital space makes for a clearer head and reduces mental stress.
Form follows function?
If you simply can't put your smartphone down but still want to reduce your screen time, designer Klemens Schillinger may have just the thing for you: The Substitute Phone keeps your fingers busy in the usual way, allowing you to swipe, swipe and type for hours on end - without even coming close to a screen or social media. And the battery performance, in this case none at all, is sensational ;)
Digital minimalism doesn't have to be a hard-core withdrawal. You don't have to lock away your cell phone or delete all your social media accounts. But with small, clever steps, you can regain a little more peace and clarity in your everyday life. In the end, you'll realize: The world keeps turning even without constant notifications, and you suddenly have more time for the really important things again.
What's the best way to protect yourself from digital sensory overload? Which of our tips will you implement straight away? Or do you think nothing of digital detox? Tell the community! We look forward to your opinion.