Don’t Let an App Decide How Your Day Should Be
It’s been almost five years since I first read “Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport. The book is filled with insights, but two principles that I have managed to apply and sustain in my life are: “limited social media usage” and “no notifications.” Implementing these two seemingly simple yet challenging practices has significantly contributed to maintaining my mental well-being. Over the past decade, social media has intertwined itself into the fabric of our lives, often dictating our emotions, decisions, and even our sense of self. While these platforms have undoubtedly introduced several advantages-such as easier communication and the ability to stay connected-they also pose significant threats to our mental health and overall productivity. Some of you may not completely agree with me, but those who have experienced a digital detox will understand what I’m saying. You may not realize it, but the way your emotions and mental state change just by looking at one reel, one story, or even a random notification on your phone is astonishing. You might be in the middle of doing something else, and with just one “bell chime,” everything changes.
The context switch that happens in that moment may not seem very concerning, but the cumulative effect of these continuous distractions can severely disrupt your daily routine, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. While it might seem impossible to completely disconnect from social media or other apps in today’s world, we can certainly control how they influence us. You need to realize that YOU are the driver of your life, not these apps. It’s easier said than done, but it’s worth trying. Over the last five years, l’ve managed to keep my Instagram usage to around 20-25 minutes per day, with the exception of song release days when it spikes. As for notifications, I’ve turned off alerts for most apps on my phone, except for essential work and payment apps, which are also set to limited timeframes. Now, you might be thinking that this will impact my day-to-day communications with people, but that’s not the case. Just because someone has a way to send something instantly doesn’t necessarily mean it’s urgent.
Just because a text or video can be sent in less than a minute with the click of a button doesn’t mean you need to look at it immediately. If it’s really important, the person will call, not text. And it’s not like, I don’t respond to those messages, I do but I do it when I want to do it. There are specific intervals in my day planned just for social media platforms & nothing else. The key is to do one thing at a time & do it at your own will. While it took some time for me to bring people in my circle to this understanding, now that they know, things are much easier. By prioritizing single-tasking & setting boundaries for when and how you engage with digital content, l’ve been able to create a more intentional and fulfilling daily routine.
In a world where technology often dictates our actions, taking back control might feel challenging, but it’s essential for our well-being. Start small-limit your social media usage, turn off non-essential notifications, and observe the change. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it. Remember, it’s your life, and you should be the one steering the wheel.