Whether we realise it or not, most of us are in varying stages of digital overload and burnout. In this article, we explore why and how you could take stock of your digital life and offer practical advice to guide you through the process.
In our increasingly digital age, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by the vast amount of information, apps, and digital clutter that surrounds us. As December begins and we barrel towards the end of 2023, it can feel as if we are burning the candle at both ends. However, it can be difficult – if not impossible to relax and rejuvenate – if at every point, we are tied to our digital devices and being bombarded with emails, messages and notifications.
Although the Christmas/New Year break is still a few weeks away, unless you have a game plan, you go back to work in January more tired than ever! Hence, this is a perfect time to reflect on your digital life and consider the benefits of taking stock.
Why take stock?
First, taking time for introspection and reflection is always valuable, especially since often we are caught up in the rat race, and days meld into weeks and months before we know it. Taking stock allows us to ‘stick a pin’ (or pause) and take the time to review our situation and the path we are currently on. With regard to our digital lives, this opportunity to review and reassess could ensure that we are clear about our priorities and goals, have identified strategies to get us there, and perhaps more importantly, figure out what is no longer serving us, and address them.
Further, stopping for reflection allows us to reset and wipe the slate clean, so to speak. We can thus be intentional in our approach going forward. Additionally, and in a practical sense, a review of our digital space and practices has several benefits including the following:
- Reducing digital clutter: Over time, we accumulate digital clutter – a lot of unused apps, files, subscriptions, and a deluge of emails and messages. Taking stock allows us to declutter and simplify our digital spaces, making them more efficient and enjoyable.
- Enhancing productivity: Without a doubt, a cluttered digital space can hinder productivity. Identifying and eliminating distractions can significantly improve your focus and efficiency, thus helping you achieve your goals more effectively.
- Protecting privacy and security: Regularly reviewing your digital footprint helps you identify and mitigate potential security risks. Updating passwords, reviewing privacy settings (which are constantly being updated), and removing unnecessary personal information, are critical practices you ought to encourage.
- Promoting mindfulness: Constant connectivity can contribute to stress and burnout. By taking stock of your digital life, you can establish healthier boundaries and foster a more mindful approach to technology use.
So where do you start?
As with many things in life, admitting that there is a problem that needs to be addressed is the first step. After that, here are things you can do.
- Audit your digital devices: Begin by examining your smartphones, tablets, computers, and other digital devices. Identify and uninstall unused apps, organise files and folders, and consider archiving or deleting old emails.
- Review your subscriptions: Take stock of your digital subscriptions, including streaming services, software licenses, online memberships, and email mailing lists. For paid subscriptions, and especially those that automatically renew themselves, confirm whether you would like to keep them. Cancel any subscriptions and unsubscribe from mailing lists you no longer use or need, thus saving both money and digital space.
- Assess your social media presence: Examine your social media accounts and unfollow or mute accounts that are no longer aligned with your interests. Also, noting that websites are continually updating their privacy policies and terms of use information, review and update privacy settings to control the information you share online.
- Organise your digital files: Create a systematic organisation system for your digital files. Sort documents, photos, videos, and emails into folders that are clearly labelled, and consider using cloud storage solutions for easy access and backup.
- Commit to a digital detox: Designate specific times for digital detox, where you disconnect from electronic devices, which ideally, should be done every day. As a start, mealtimes, when exercising, and when engaged in family activities, could be ‘digital free’ thus allowing you to be present and actively involved, whilst also fostering a healthier work-life balance.
- Update your security measures: Ensure your devices and accounts are secure by updating and strengthening your passwords, enabling two-factor authentication when provided, and reviewing application permissions. These are crucial steps in protecting your personal information. Now would also be the time to run a security scan of your devices, such as an antivirus, and to ensure that all applications have been updated.
- Back up important data: Regularly back up important files and data to prevent data loss. Utilise external hard drives or cloud storage services to safeguard valuable information. Also, confirm that the files and data have indeed been backed up and can be successfully accessed when needed.
- Evaluate your digital habits: Finally, do reflect on your digital habits, such as screen time and notification settings. Many smartphones and other portable devices track screen time and other metrics, so do check your usage, and decide how you might wish to modify your habits going forward. Do note that you can adjust existing settings to minimise distractions and create a more intentional digital experience.
The above exercise, which we hope offers practical advice, can help you regain control of your time, improve productivity, and foster a healthier relationship with technology. However, taking stock of your digital life is an ongoing process. It is thus important to periodically examine and refine your digital habits to better manage your time, energy and mental health whilst also being able to make the most of the digital tools at your disposal.
Image credit: Peggy from (Pixabay)
