4 changes to help you live a better digital life as a student and working professional

We're constantly wired thanks to our phones and tablets.

Truth is, we're not designed to be wired all day. We're running on autopilot and sacrificing on the quality of life we lead. We lack focus, discipline and live in an era where 'Netflix' counts as a hobby 🤦‍♂️

That being said, the awareness is real and taking back control of our lives is simple. Not easy, but definitely simple. Here are five ways to do so:

🔍Observe your behavior - use a calendar or notebook

We're the best judges of our behaviour.

By monitoring how we spend time throughout the day, we're able to realise how we do so. It increases a sense of awareness and helps us focus on our weak points. This helps in better planning of our day accompanied by a sense of intentionality.

🧱Create boundaries

If you finish work by 20:00 (8:00 PM) ensure that work conversations don't carry over to WhatsApp.

Have boundaries that define personal time from work life. Bring it up with your boss and colleagues if it's needed. Being accessible 24*7 does you more harm than good. Reclaim that time to do what you love.

🧹Declutter

If apps don't compliment your life, remove them.

If you mindlessly scroll through apps without deriving any value from them, go on a 30-day break (or more). You'll be able to confirm if the app was a mere distraction. Once you introduce it back, observe if this app adds a sense of purpose before deciding to keep/ remove it permanently.

🧩Reclaim Leisure

Scrolling your phone isn't leisure. Spending time with family, solving a puzzle, playing an instrument - these count as leisure.

By spending time on these activities, your attention isn't pulled into multiple directions. Doing so helps improve your mood, cognitive fitness, reduce eye strain and learning something new.

“To succeed with digital minimalism, you have to confront this rebalancing between conversation & connection in a way that makes sense to you.”

― Cal Newport