Digital Minimalism

Clean up your smartphone and laptop for more focus

Do you know that feeling when your phone screams "too much" the moment you turn it on? 47 unread messages, 3,456 photos stored, 89 open browser tabs. Welcome to digital chaos! What we often forget: our smartphones and laptops are spaces that need organisation, just like our wardrobes or kitchens. Digital minimalism isn't a trend; it's a true liberation for your mind and daily life.

Image: WIX

Why digital chaos stresses us out

Every notification is like a little nudge to our brain. Push messages, full inboxes, or a disorganised filing system lead to a constant feeling of "I still have to..." and a loss of control. This robs us of focus and energy, even though we often underestimate it. Studies show that even just a full inbox can increase stress levels.

The "brain drain effect": When smartphones paralyse our thinking

A meta-study from the University of Augsburg (Germany) evaluated 22 studies on brain processes and smartphone use. The result: Smartphones can weaken our memory, disrupt attention, and even impair problem-solving skills. This process is also known as the "brain drain effect".

What's particularly interesting is that even when the smartphone isn't in our hand, but merely nearby, it unconsciously demands our attention. Some people even feel stressed when it's not there at all – a sign of developing dependency.

Digital stress has many faces

Besides constant accessibility, digitalisation also plays a role in everyday life. Three terms have been coined in this context:

• Techno overload: too many emails, messages, and push notifications

• Techno Complexity: overwhelming programs or difficult-to-understand apps

• Techno Invasion: the boundaries between work and leisure are blurring because we are constantly reachable.

This "always on" state leads to a constant state of stress that exhausts us, even though we are not actually doing anything "physical".

Digital minimalism. What's behind it?

Digital minimalism doesn't mean living offline in the woods. It's more about being more mindful of the digital tools we use, focusing on those that are truly useful, and letting go of unnecessary clutter. The goal: less distraction, more clarity, and more productive screen time.

Practical steps for smartphone and laptop

1. Turn off notifications: Only truly important information should get through.

2. App detox: Delete everything you haven't used in a while. Spoiler alert: Usually 80% of all apps.

3. Folder system: Sort apps by topic instead of scrolling endlessly.

4. Digital trash: Consistently delete old screenshots, downloads, and duplicate files.

5. Clean up your inbox: Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read. Implement a weekly "Zero Inbox" ritual.

6. Set up offline zones: consciously leave your mobile phone away when walking or in the bedroom.

7. Photo organisation: Sort, mark, put into albums, back up regularly.

The mental effect: more calm, more focus

Fewer digital stimuli = fewer interruptions = more focus. Our brains love it when things are clearly structured. A tidy smartphone feels like a freshly cleaned desk: it creates space for new ideas and concentration.

Digital stress isn't a personal failing, but a societal phenomenon. The good news: we can actively counteract it. With digital minimalism, conscious routines, and a dose of self-reflection, the smartphone becomes a helpful tool again, rather than a source of stress. And those who manage to let go of digital clutter will be rewarded: with greater focus, more mental freedom, and more time for real life.