When did you last have a proper Digital Detox..? I don’t mean time away from your phone, although it is good to reduce screen time, but I mean in the sense of decluttering the ‘stuff`’ that builds up on our laptops, phone, address books and so on..

During this difficult time of lockdown there is inevitably a lot of people feeling anxious, overwhelmed and ultimately perhaps even unhappy. In this series of blogs this month, I’m sharing my thoughts with you on how to remove the things in life that aren’t serving us, in order to move forwards and (In case you missed a previous blog asking what you’re letting go of in 2021, you’ll find it here.)

During Lockdown, many of us had a good old declutter of our homes and this week I’m sharing that it’s very therapeutic to do the same with our digital lives too. By doing so, we will spend less time searching for photos to use on our blogs or social media, less time looking for that password, and everything will work more efficiently.. even you!

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… even you”

Anne Lamott

I’m an old fashioned girl and those that know me will know that I’m a huge fan of stationary, planners and sending cards or happy post as I like to call it! It’s always so lovely to receive a card in the post rather than that ominous white envelope right?

When did you last update your address book?

Do you go to it like I did leading up to Christmas and find that several addresses have been changed, maybe not once, but two or three times! Or maybe even (also like me) several pieces of paper or an old Christmas card fell out with a new change of address notice… yes? Then time, to declutter that address book and renew.. everything will be fresh and clear, saving you time! A lovely thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.

Here are some I’m loving at the moment:

When did you last do a health check on your computer or lap top?

It’s open of those jobs that used to terrify me as I’d think I’ll lose everything but it really is essential so that it works much more efficiently. If there is a problem with the health of your computer, it can be diagnosed and addressed it before a parts failure or more serious fault occurs. This includes checks for viruses or spyware, which can lead to data corruption, identity fraud, and theft. Scary huh??

I have started using Clean My Mac recently and love it.. It’s fast, super efficient and has freed up lots of space that was slowing things down. It also removes apps that you no longer use and so much more!

When was the last time you decluttered your Notes on your phone?

I love my the notes app on my phone, especially during the days we were allowed to leave the house! If a moment of inspiration hit me, out came my notes and I’d pop it down for when I got home or when I was next writing.

However, they can quickly mount up and spending just a few moments, whilst the kettle boils or your bath runs, to edit and delete the ones that are no longer required or serve you, will free up so much space both on your phone and head space too!

Use this time to create new folders so that the speed in which you find your wise words is quicker rather than endless scrolling.. One of those jobs that you think, “yep, I’ll do that” but it does make so much difference and guess what your screen time will be reduced too! Winning!

These are a few ideas to get you started on your Digital Detox. Here are a couple of others that I have planned through the coming months..

Messages; both on my phone, WhatsApp and various other platforms that I receive messages. I have several that I mean to delete that’s taking up space, how about you? now I’ve shared that little gem with you, I’m going to be popping that little task to do over the next week rather than scrolling. Will you be joining me?

Photographs.. hands up if you have zillions on your phone? I’m not even going to share how many I have! Many are duplicates I’m sure. Some need deleting, some need printing and for certain, there are many that need fitting in albums so they are easy to reach and at my finger tips should I need to find them.

One app that we have loved using this year is Photobooks and it’s sister FreePrints. The phonebooks make fabulous gifts and are really easy to organise (even easier when you know exactly which photos are where!) We’ve organised a few this year and not only is it lots of fun deciding which to choose but so lovely to have them in a book also. It’s like the modern day photo album!

The Freeprints are also fantastic, again very quick and easy to use. My daughter and I had lots of fun creating a photocell of all her favourite images during her room makeover in Lockdown 1.

If all this seems overwhelming, it’s okay. Bit by bit, little by little, day by day just attempt ONE thing.. You don’t have to do it all now! Pick one this week and see how you get on. You might be inspired to do more, you might even be inspired to schedule a Digital Detox in each month.

“Go for a walk outdoors.

Reconnect with the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair.

Listen to the birds that live in a tree in your yard.

Watch the sunset.

Take time to smell the flowers that bloom in the park during the summer.

The natural world is just as natural as it ever was, except there’s less of it than there was twenty-five years ago – and most of us don’t make a point of enjoying it often enough.” 

Skye Alexander, Award-winning author

I really hope these tips for bringing a little positivity to the situation we find ourselves in help you.

I’ve created some planners which I find really useful in keeping me focused and organised which you can find on the Organisation page.

I hope they will give you a little inspiration so that you can create a feeling of being more in control and less overwhelmed so that you can concentrate on the things that are most important to you. I’d love to know which one is your favourite and which ones you’ll be trying out.

Feel free to share in the comments your thoughts and also what has helped you during the last 12 months.

What makes you feel more organised?

I would love to hear from you.

Stay healthy and well,