Chapter 1: A Journey into Digital Minimalism

At the start of January, I committed to Cal Newport's concept of a "digital declutter," aiming for a month-long reset of my smartphone and internet habits. This marked the beginning of my mindful exploration into Digital Minimalism (which I previously discussed). Now that February has concluded, I can confidently say: I loved it.

I have never felt so mentally clear about my objectives and so free from distracting or time-consuming influences. With my phone streamlined to the essentials and rules to curtail aimless browsing, any time I wasted was genuinely my own choice. Interestingly, I found it surprisingly challenging to squander my own time.

Throughout the month, I chose not to keep up with the news. Instead, I gained deeper insights into the world through well-researched, long-form content. Although I hardly watched any TV shows or movies, the few I did experience left a lasting impression. By turning off my text message notifications, I noticed an increase in phone calls, which always proved to be more meaningful than texting. I permanently deleted my Twitter and Facebook accounts, leading to a significantly smaller social circle—something I believe has enhanced my life.

Prior to this experiment, I perceived the vast digital landscape with its endless allure as something I needed to engage with. I was mistakenly afraid of social isolation, ignorance of global issues, and sheer boredom if I distanced myself from it. However, I discovered a new path toward clarity, reduced anxiety, and heightened focus.

Ironically, I now appreciate my digital devices more than ever, recognizing their true value. This is one of the intriguing aspects of minimalism.

A Review of My Rules

In this section, I'll share which rules proved beneficial, their impact on my mindset and behavior, and how I plan to weave digital minimalism into my everyday routine. While these rules are tailored to my digital habits, they might resonate with you as well.

#### Social Media

I refrained from using Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or Snapchat.

This rule was the simplest to adhere to, as I was already a minimal user of social media. Completely eliminating it for a month allowed me to appreciate the enduring friendships that transcend online interactions. With no endless feed of others' thoughts and images, I could focus on simply... living my life. Ultimately, I deleted my Twitter and Facebook accounts, keeping only a private Instagram for potential future social engagement.

#### Messaging

I disabled notifications and unread messages, focusing on information sharing rather than text conversations.

I’m unsure why I hadn’t implemented this sooner. The absence of constant notifications significantly improved my concentration. Before this change, I often left messages unanswered or participated only when it was convenient. Now, I approach my inbox with the intention to respond genuinely. During this texting hiatus, I found myself making more phone calls with friends, which was refreshing since those conversations are inherently more engaging. However, avoiding texting altogether proved impractical, particularly since most of my friends are miles away and in different time zones. Light texting remains a practical way to maintain connection without the hassle of scheduling calls. For now, I’ll keep notifications off and look forward to more phone chats.

#### News and Articles

I stopped reading articles on my phone and avoided news or current events podcasts.

I wholeheartedly recommend this rule. Our culture is often steeped in doom, sensationalism, and misinformation. The world continues to function regardless of whether I stress over every negative news story. Taking a break from the urge to constantly inquire “What’s wrong today?” has greatly benefited my peace of mind. While staying informed is important, I now research topics of interest with clear intent, which shields me from negativity and bias. Upon revisiting mainstream news outlets (like CNN, NBC, or NYT), I often feel frustrated by the misleading narratives. I no longer use news apps; I usually learn of breaking news through my YouTube feed and then conduct further research independently.

#### Shows and Movies

I refrained from watching on my phone, scrolling through HBO for something to view, and binge-watching.

Surprisingly, this rule was highly effective. I genuinely miss watching TV shows and movies; without Netflix, I feel out of touch with the latest series and films my friends discuss. An unexpected outcome was my newfound passion for reading and listening to audiobooks (shout out to Libby). While I don’t believe books are superior to videos, I certainly miss the engagement that comes with longer, more thoughtful works. This isn’t a rule I feel compelled to maintain, as I never had binge-watching issues; now, I'm just unsure of what to watch next. Any suggestions?

#### Device Usage

I avoided using my phone in the bathroom, as a distraction in social situations, or while eating—unless video chatting.

I’d categorize this as a partial success. With only essential apps on my phone, I lacked distractions in social settings or at the gym. Leaving my phone in the bedroom during bathroom breaks was easy. However, alone at home, I struggled to eat without some form of entertainment. I attempted reading, but flipping pages while eating proved difficult. Listening to audiobooks and podcasts was a more enjoyable alternative, yet I truly miss engaging in conversations over meals. Midway through the month, I gave in and started watching vlogs or podcasts on YouTube during meals. Oops! Nonetheless, I see no harm in this habit; it brings me joy and lessens my sense of isolation, so I believe it can align with my digitally minimalist approach.

Overall, this experience has been enlightening, illuminating long-held habits and perceptions toward technology. It has successfully cleared my mind and allowed me to focus on what truly matters—activities and relationships that enrich my life. Now, I’m equipped with new habits and perspectives that will benefit my future.

Remember, minimalism isn’t about obsessively controlling your environment or limiting your possessions unnecessarily. It’s about prioritizing value over convenience and intention over the status quo.

If this resonates with you, then I wish you a fulfilling decluttering journey!

Chapter 2: Insights from My Digital Declutter Journey

In the first video titled "A Better Parent: Reflections on Week 1 of My Lent Digital Declutter," the creator shares their experiences and insights as they embark on a digital declutter journey, emphasizing the importance of intentional living.

The second video, "February Reflection: Finances, Goals, Vision Board, Digital Declutter & More," provides a comprehensive overview of the creator’s monthly reset, touching on financial goals and the impact of digital decluttering on their overall vision.