#49 - Decluttering Digital Distractions

From dozens of apps on your phone to endless emails in your inbox, digital clutter can become overwhelming and have a negative impact on your well-being.

Jul 21, 2023

Welcome to the 49th issue of 5 Minute Friday! Every week I share a short newsletter with tips & resources to help you with your professional & personal growth & development!

Let's start "GROWING" through our human journey instead of just "GOING" through it!

“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it's anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.” – Peter Walsh

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This week’s topics:

Decluttering Digital Distractions
5 Question Friday w/ Megan Tarnow 📺 (new weekly video segment)

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Digital Decluttering: The Impact of Digital Clutter on Wellbeing and How to Combat It

In a world that is dominated by technology, it is easy to get caught up in the digital clutter. From dozens of apps on your phone to endless emails in your inbox, digital clutter can become overwhelming and have a negative impact on your well-being. The good news is that it is possible to do a digital declutter and reap the benefits of a clearer mind. Let’s explore the impact of digital clutter on our well-being and look at some actionable tips on how to combat it.

The Impact of Digital Clutter on Wellbeing
The constant bombardment of notifications and endless streams of information can lead to feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. It can also lead to a lack of productivity, focus, and creativity. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can have a negative impact on mental health, including depression and anxiety. It is important to recognize that digital clutter is not just a physical problem but a mental one too.

Areas of Digital Clutter
Digital clutter can manifest in various areas of our lives, including our devices, social media accounts, and email inboxes. Apps that are no longer needed can take up valuable space on our devices, and unread emails and notifications can be a constant source of stress. Social media accounts can also contribute to digital clutter as they can distract us from more important things.

Ways to Combat Digital Clutter
The first step to combat digital clutter is to recognize it. Start by identifying the areas that are causing the most clutter and stress. For example, declutter your phone by deleting unused apps, organizing your home screen, and turning off notifications for non-essential apps. In your email inbox, create folders to organize emails into different categories, unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, and delete old emails. Implementing a social media detox by unfollowing accounts that do not add value can also do wonders for your digital clutter.

The Benefits of Digital Decluttering
Digital decluttering not only frees up space on your devices, but it also has a positive impact on your mental well-being. It can lead to a clearer mind, increased productivity, and better creativity. By reducing your screen time, you may also experience better sleep quality and reduce the risk of developing mental health issues. Digital decluttering can also lead to a more intentional use of technology, enabling you to use it as a useful tool rather than a constant distraction.

Maintaining a Digital Declutter
Once you have done a digital declutter, it is important to maintain it. Start by setting boundaries around your technology use, such as no devices at mealtimes or turning off notifications during certain hours. Practice mindfulness when using technology by being intentional with your time and being present in the moment. Regularly review your social media accounts and email inboxes to ensure they do not become cluttered again.

Digital clutter can have a negative impact on our overall well-being, but it is possible to combat it. By recognizing the areas where digital clutter exists and implementing changes such as decluttering your devices and social media accounts, you can experience a clearer mind, increased productivity, and better creativity. Regularly reviewing and maintaining a digital declutter can lead to a more intentional use of technology and a healthier mindset. So why not give it a try? Your mind will thank you.

5 Question Friday (New Video Segment)

Guest: Megan Tarnow (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantarnow)

In this video, Megan, a seasoned accountant & consultant for nonprofits, shares her unique journey. She shares her experience of moving to Japan with limited resources, highlighting the growth that comes from such challenges. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of networking and the transformative impact of putting yourself out there. Tune in for an inspiring story and valuable advice.

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