How I Downsized My Digital Life Despite Starting An Online Blog

Okay, it’s time to address the elephant in the room and tackle an obvious contradiction. After all, if you read the headline: “Man Looking To Downsize His Digital Life Starts Online Blog”, you’d think he was destined to fail from the outset.

Starting this blog might seem slightly crazy if the aim was to spend less time in the digital world, but there is method in my madness, as I explain a bit further down. Also, I’d argue there’s a big difference when it comes to creating content online, as opposed to simply consuming it, and you can read more on that here.

Creating a blog has helped me throughout my digital mindfulness journey, enabling me to become more intentional about how and when I spend time online and allowing me to develop strategies that have ensured I’ve stayed on track. Here is how I’ve managed to downsize my digital life, whilst still writing an online blog:

Remained Accountable

Although there is the old saying, “do as I say, not as I do”, it would be slightly disingenuous of me to preach about the merits of spending less time online only to scroll for hours on Instagram every evening. I don’t do that, honest! Writing about this topic has actually made me a lot more accountable. I’ve become very mindful of my daily actions and whether they are in keeping with someone looking to live more in the real world and less in the digital one.

Set Boundaries

I’ve given myself specific times to work on my blog and try my best not to deviate too far from these. The clear setting of digital boundaries from the outset means I don’t spend more time in front of a screen than I have to. It has also ensured I’ve avoided burnout. I’ve felt this has also made me more productive and efficient with my time. For example, if I tell myself I’ve got all evening to work on my blog, I may not be as ‘locked in’ as I ned to be. However, if I give myself 90 minutes a day, I know that I can be fully focused for that period of time.

Avoided Hours Of Online Research

I’m aware that there are blogs and YouTube channels that cover the same topic as me, but to be honest, I haven’t spent hours reading or watching content online about digital mindfulness. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a look at the odd blog post and clip, but it’s not something I do regularly. I aim to provide a perspective that is truly my own. We all have a different relationship with technology and the digital world, and I just wanted to share mine.  

Doubled Down on Analogue Activities

Since starting the blog, I’ve become more inclined to detach further from the digital world by doubling down on analogue activities. I find myself walking, cooking and reading books a lot more than I used to. This provides me with a welcome break from the constant stream of digital content I’m often exposed to throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Although it might seem rather counterintuitive to start an online blog whilst attempting to spend less time in the digital world, it’s helped me stay on track. Being accountable, setting boundaries and ensuring I don’t spend more time online than I need to have all been beneficial throughout my journey.