Even though I’ve started to live a minimalist life with less distractions. My phone still seems to pull me in like a magnet! Seriously, it’s like my phone has superpowers with all those dings, buzzes, and flashy notifications. Before I know it, my brain is doing the cha-cha while I’m trying to find some calm.
Instead of enjoying the peaceful life I’m going for, I end up scrolling and scrolling, watching endless videos of dancing cats and people doing the latest TikTok challenge. I mean, who knew so many folks were really great at balancing things on their heads?
Soon I realized that Instead of enjoying the space I’ve created by removing other distractions, I often end up filling the void by endlessly scrolling through social media, watching reels, and wasting time online.
So, I thought, if I want to live a peaceful life, I need to start with some simple habits for using my devices. Otherwise, I’ll just keep getting lost in the screen like it’s a never-ending rabbit hole! Seriously, it’s like my phone has a secret mission to turn me into a couch potato with eyes glued to the screen! At this rate, I might as well start wearing pajamas 24/7 and become a professional snack-eater while I scroll! If I’m not careful, I’ll end up in a staring contest with my phone, and let’s be honest—my phone always wins!
1. Mornings Without My Phone
To help me start my day calmly, I created a specific spot to keep my phone at night, far from my bed, so it’s out of reach in the mornings. This way, it’s not the first thing I see when I wake up. Instead of staring at a screen, I get to enjoy natural light, the sound of birds outside, and a few deep breaths. This device-free routine helps me feel more centered and in control of my day, allowing me to set priorities without reacting to notifications
2. Declutter Digital Space
I treat my phone’s home screen like a clean, organized room—everything unnecessary goes away. Just like a tidy room makes it easy to find what I need, a simplified home screen makes my phone more functional.
My Minimalist Home Screen Essentials:
Phone – for making calls.
Payment App – for convenient transactions.
Messaging App – for quick communication.
Email – to check essential updates.
With only four apps on my home screen, I’m less tempted to open unnecessary ones and more focused on what matters.
3. Turn Off Notifications
Turning off social media notifications is one of the most effective ways to reduce distractions. Those frequent pings can pull me in like a reflex, breaking my concentration. Without constant notifications, I’m not as tempted to check my phone constantly, which keeps me more focused throughout the day.
4. Use App Time Limits
I also set daily time limits for apps like YouTube and Instagram—just five minutes each. These limits help me prioritize the content I really want to see, avoiding endless scrolling. This way, I keep my screen time in check, making it easier to enjoy my free time without feeling drained.
5. Turn Off Wi-Fi and Mobile Data When Not in Use
Turning off Wi-Fi and mobile data after using my phone has been a surprisingly powerful habit. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
Fewer Distractions: With notifications off, I’m less tempted to check my phone for updates.
Improved Battery Life: Disabling Wi-Fi and data conserves battery, so my phone lasts longer without frequent charging.
Calmer Mind: Without constant connectivity, I’m more focused on my surroundings.
Intentional Usage: I now only turn on Wi-Fi and mobile data when I need them, which makes my time online more mindful and purposeful.
This habit has helped me a lot to stay present and enjoy the world around me. Do Try it out—you might find that your surroundings have a lot to offer without the distraction of your phone!
