Digital minimalism made easy. Things to try out for distraction-free online

You know how it goes. You hop online to do a few things, answer some emails, and then, boom. Four hours later, you’re still scrolling Instagram. You’ve purchased 3 things you don’t need, and you’ve given your email address out to vendors who will probably sell it.

It’s a cycle that can be hard to control, but when you’re careful about of the tech you use (and how you use it), it’s easier to spend time online mindfully.

Now, we know it’s not always possible to only spend 5 minutes a day checking emails, to delete all apps from your phone, or to use website blockers daily, but we have a few suggestions that might help you reach your digital minimalism goals easily.

Tools to optimize your workflow

1. IFTTT - automation for business and daily life

This tool lets you automate repetitive tasks. Want to park your robot lawn mower when the weather forecast predicts frost or heavy rain? Or maybe sync your to-do list with your calendar? That’s exactly what IFTTT will help you with. 

You can create ”applets” to sync tasks and calendars across multiple apps and optimize your workflow with custom automations. Once set, it allows you to save time, free yourself from mental clutter space, and focus on what matters.

Pros:
Easy to use. Community recommendations on how to effectively use the applets and automation. Large library of applets. 

Cons:
Limited programmatic capabilities.

Price:
Free to create your first 2 applets; $2.92 per month for Pro;  $12.5 per month for Pro+. Discounts for students who sign up with a student email address.

2. Hey.com - email service and calendar for improved focus

This email provider is not for everyone. But if you share their philosophy, you might not want to use other providers again. With Hey, email becomes three things.

1. Things you need to respond to
2. Things you want to read
3. Receipts

Each gets their own home within the app, and basically, nothing else is welcome. Before anything can enter your inbox, you actually have to approve it, so SPAM and annoying newsletters become a thing of the past.

Pros:
Thoughtful UX. They don’t sell customer data to anyone or use personal information to place targeted advertising. Got a new calendar feature. 

Cons:
Some users report missing important emails. It takes time to go through all your emails and screen them.

Price:
$99 per year for personal use; $12 per user per month for a custom domain name.

3. RescueTime - time management

A time-tracking software that blocks distractions and offers AI assistance for time management. Simply put, it helps you understand how you spend your work day and helps you find time to do some "deep focus."

Pros:
Easy to use, requires very little setup, customizable.

Cons:
Multiple users wish the app design was better. The mobile app needs improvement. Limited third-party integrations.

Price:
Free lite plan with limited functionality; from USD 6,5 per month for the full plan.

Practices to begin with

4. The 30-day Digital Detox Challenge

Mentioned in Cal Newport’s book Digital Minimalism, this practice is meant to help you adopt mindful, intentional, and healthier technology use habits by gradually reducing digital distractions and re-engaging with the real world. It’s a gradual process that includes preparation and a week-by-week plan, so you won’t have to switch off your devices and move to a remote area with no cell service. 

5. Set up your devices for mindfulness 

Try using grayscale in screen settings, turning off certain (or all) notifications, setting limits on app usage, or turning YouTube autoplay off. Even just switching off the internet on your smartphone when it’s not used helps you to be more present and less distracted by incoming messages.

6. Out of sight, out of mind

Place your devices out of reach when they are not used or delete addictive apps to reduce digital distractions. Want to have more time for things that matter? Break the pattern of automatically reaching out to the device or opening time-killing apps when you are bored. Looking to adopt healthier habits? Understand the cues behind unwanted habits (e.g. boredom, tiredness, anxiety) and then replace a routine (e.g. doing a light stretch instead of opening an Instagram feed). Boom and you are 1% happier every time you choose things that are better for you.

Resources to learn from

7. The Deep Life is an epic digital minimalism resource with answers to common digital minimalism questions and a repository of Cal Newport’s thoughtful podcast, Deep Questions.

8. Matt D'Avella, an Emmy-nominated Netflix filmmaker who creates YouTube videos about taking a realistic approach to minimalism, sustainable habits, and breaking out of your comfort zone (without all the bungee jumping).

9. Malama Life, a lifestyle channel dedicated to slow living and minimalism. Get inspired to slow down and pay attention to the simple joys of life.

10. Simplify Magazine, an aesthetic digital publication that pulls together experts in various fields to address some of the most pressing needs of the modern family.

11. Millennial Minimalists, a podcast on living simply and designing more intentional life.

Remember, the goal of digital minimalism is not to eliminate technology but to use it in a way that aligns with your values and enhances your life. And whenever you are looking for a way to eliminate digital clutter, Yorba is there to help!