In today’s world, we often feel as though we live inside our gadgets. Every notification, message, or alert pulls our attention towards our phones. Without realising it, we allow these constant interruptions to control our focus. This is exactly why digital decluttering has become essential for staying productive and maintaining a healthy mind.
The first step is understanding how much time we waste checking things that are not important. Instead of responding to every notification, we must become more selective and pay attention only to what truly matters. Focus should be about quality, not quantity. Constant scrolling and switching between apps overstimulates our mind, leading to poor concentration, mental fatigue, and a feeling of always being “tired but wired”. To take back control, we need to plan how we use our digital space. Start by decluttering your phone: delete unnecessary apps, organise your home screen, and turn off non-essential notifications. Use your calendar properly and set specific times for checking messages or social media. For example, if you study for one to two hours, allow yourself a five- or ten-minute break afterwards to check anything important.
- Key Points:
- Reduce unnecessary notifications and delete unused apps.
- Set fixed times to check messages and use your calendar properly.
- Follow a study–break routine to manage focus.
- Replace excess screen time with healthy hobbies.
- Set clear screen-time goals and be intentional when opening apps.
- Do a weekly digital detox to refresh your mind.
Introduce healthier habits to fill the gaps created by removing digital clutter. Replace 20–30 minutes of aimless scrolling with reading, journalling, or any hobby that brings you joy. You can also follow simple rules like the “20-minute rule” and set clear screen-time goals: always know why you are opening an app and what you expect to do there.
Weekly digital detoxes can help reset your mind. Over time, you will feel lighter, clearer, and more focused. Digital decluttering not only reduces noise but also boosts your mindset, helping you grow and stay centred in a busy online world.