How to do a digital declutter
Did you know that the average person refreshes their email and looks at social media on average 95 times a day? And this isn't factoring in the mindless scrolling, constant notifications, and other fruitless digital habits that we can become endlessly addicted to.
Towards the end of last year, I did an interesting exercise that I found VERY confronting. I recorded the number of times that I unconsciously picked up my phone during the day, and it was staggering to say in the least.
While social media can have many beautiful benefits, including a sense of community, inspiration, and support, I'm fully aware of how addictive and distracting it can be. There's also a sense of longing and not having 'enough' that comes with comparing your life to others on a screen.
If we want to experience real-life joy in this online world, I believe it's essential to instill boundaries and self-awareness regarding digital matters!
If you’re reading this journal, I’m assuming you are ready to re-set your relationship with the digital world. Well, my friend, you’re in the right place! Below, I’m sharing a handful of simple and achievable tips on how to do a digital declutter. Over the next few days, you might discover you have unexpected free time on your hands and feel surprised at how often you used to use your phone unconsciously. Especially in those small, unoccupied moments, such as waiting in line at the cafe or supermarket.
A few journal prompts for you to begin with:
How do I start my day, and is there a screen involved? If so, is there a more-soul enriching ritual I could be doing?
How do I feel after spending extended time on social media?
Is going on social media a good use of my time, and how can I strategise my usage better if necessary for work?
What am I missing out on by spending too much time on my screen?
How is social media positively contributing to my goals?
How do I finish my day, and does it include a screen? What else could I do for myself instead?
Once you’ve filled out the above, I challenge you to get stuck into these 8 simple tips for doing a digital declutter.
Check 'screen time' on your phone to see your daily average, and set a new goal for yourself. I have a limit set at 1 hour per day, including posting for my work (meaning I have to be clever with my screen time!).
Utilise the 'Do Not Disturb' or 'Aeroplane Mode' settings on your phone for when you need to take some time to yourself or be productive in a project. Turning off all notifications also helps you from getting distracted.
Delete the apps from your phone if you're keen to have a proper break from social media -I do this about once a month for a few days, and I always come out of it feeling refreshed and present.
Set a time each day that you check your emails and stick to it. I usually check mine twice, once first thing at 8.30 when I start work, and then again after lunch at around 1 pm. This helps me be more productive and feel like I'm in charge of my work rather than it owning me.
Intentionally decide who you want to follow or be friends with on social media apps. On instagram, I only follow between 60-80 people, including close friends, family and a small handful of accounts that I find inspiring. When I scroll through my feed, the 'You're all caught up' notification pops up after a minute or two. It's liberating!
Each day when you check your emails, take a few minutes to unsubscribe from newsletters that you no longer have any interest in. Before long, you'll find your inbox is much lighter and easier to manage.
Archive all emails you longer need - that way they will still be there if you need to search them, but they wont be staring at you in your inbox each day. I like to practice inbox zero, meaning each day, all emails are archived or replied to straight away.
Clean up your desktop and tidy images and files into folders. You might like to back up files to an online service such as Google drive or iCloud. This is also a good opportunity to clear out your downloads folder. I do this 1-2 times a week. To finish it off, put something inspiring as your desktop image, such as a place you dream about visiting or a pretty image of your goals.
I hope these simple ideas bring more ease, presence and flow into your day. With love, Eleanor
I’m thrilled to share with you the sweetest (little) recipe book. Vintage Veg: a collection of retro-inspired recipes to entertain and delight.
Inspired by the vintage charm of my little retro kitchen, this book is filled with old-fashioned favourites that are fantastic for entertaining. Part glamorous, part quirky, you’ll find fabulous dinner party dishes, as well as sweet treats and snacks to fill the tins for when you have unexpected guests pop over for tea.
Almost every recipe comes with vegan, gluten, and dairy-free variations, often with various ingredient swaps and options for more wholesome sweeteners. Whether you’re hosting a fondue night, backyard dinner party, or sensational morning tea, you’ll find plenty of simple, thrifty, and fuss-free recipes to celebrate and enjoy.
