Simplify Your Online Life

The world has become smaller in this age of technology. The internet has allowed people from across the globe to stay in contact with each other. The advent of technology has made it possible for people to build interactive relationships with more advanced interfaces. 

What was once simply living has turned into something a little bit more complicated. People now have online and offline lives. We rely on various social media platforms for work and even more so for personal socialization. Actual face-to-face interaction has been minimized compared to people’s virtual presence. 

It is undeniably true how much apps and online technology has made people’s lives easier. What used to take months to process now only takes minutes or seconds to complete. While it comes with many benefits, technology has also taken away the joy that comes with direct interaction. Team productivity through community interaction has lessened. People are more apt to work their own in their little space. 

When was the last time you spoke with your colleagues about the latest film you saw or the newest music between meetings? Do you miss hanging out with people and just spending time with them? How do you start a practice of simple living?

If it feels like you’ve lost your hold on everything essential in your life, then now is the time to take that power back. 

The little changes that you make in your daily routine are where it will all begin. Instead of checking your mail when you wake up in the morning, go for an early run. Remember that in order to function well, you need to fuel your body, heart, and soul. There is power in living simply. 

How do you begin living simply online and offline?

The Practice Of Simplicity

How do you keep life simple? The practice of simplicity puts you in a position where you have to give up some things of you have grown accustomed. But minimalist living doesn’t have to be extreme. You can cut out all unnecessary technology or allow a few fun apps and sites into your life. Either way, it takes a lot of effort and courage to put limits on what you do with technology, especially if you spend a lot of time on the computer. 

How do you apply the concept of simplicity in your life? Here are some practices of simplicity and minimalism when it comes to the use of technology:

Take note of how it runs your life.

How many times do you find yourself getting caught in a loop of videos after you promised you would only watch one? How much time do you spend on social media instead of playing with your kids? If it feels like you can’t live without checking your Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts, then that’s where you begin. Instead, make a shortlist of the things you need to purge. Add on to the list if you notice you are spending more time online than you should. 

Think of how simple you want your life to be.

Are you happy with the amount of time you spend using technology? If you are, then you don’t need to make changes. But if you want to connect to the people who matter to you, lessen your time online, and just experience life as it happens, then focus your mind on the things that are more meaningful. Live your life outside of technology, and commit yourself to change. Visualize how your more simple life will bring you more joy. As you do, you will be able to look forward to the benefits that minimalism could bring to your life. 

Put your limits to the test. 

Test out your changes. Do not just say that you are going to do it. Instead, commit yourself to live a simple life online. At the end of each day, look back to how you spent your day. Did you stick to the limitations that you made? What were the things that got in the way? The point of committing yourself to change is actually to make the change happen. If you cannot hold yourself accountable, then there is no reason to even pursue a new goal. 

Tips To Keeping Your Digital Life Simple

How often do you use social media in a day? If you want to cut it down and try to live a more simple life, then do it. Here are some simple living tips that will help you prioritize what is essential in real life as opposed to your social media life.

Set limitations. 

Create specific times for the different parts of your life. Carve out times for when you need to focus on work, when you can be creative, when you could spend time with your family, and when you can be online. 

Introducing simple limitations can serve as reminders. For example, you can tell yourself you shouldn’t be checking social media after 10 p.m. This will ensure that you give your body enough time to rest and relax to prepare yourself for bed. Not only will this help clear your head, but it will allow you to get a full rest to feel energized the following day. 

Turn off all notifications.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, turn off all app notifications. If you don’t, you are setting yourself up for a whole day of distraction. Remember, you don’t need to know when a person likes your post or leaves a comment on your most recent photo upload. All these are a complete waste of your time. Keep notifications on for work or other important things like family or government policies. 

Keep your responses brief and concise. 

Most queries people have can be answered in short, yet simple sentences. You don’t need to be elaborate. Be direct and to the point. Of course, don’t forget to be kind when you send out those short but sweet responses. If you can, try to use unedited audio messages to reply to emails. Not only are they personal, but they could give you more time to do what you need to do. 

Simplify your life online by allowing yourself to realize that there is a life outside of it. Keep things simple. Engage in something that is not related to social media for entertainment. 

After all, not everyone needs to know what you are up to, and you don’t need to know what anyone else is up to either.