Quick tips for students

We live in a world where we are constantly connected to our devices. Emails, social media, online shopping, and of course, digital files pile up quickly. It's no secret that clutter has real negative impacts on our health; digital clutter isn't any different.

What is it?

A digital declutter involves cleaning, organising, and reducing unnecessary data across devices and online accounts to improve focus, productivity, and overall mental well-being. In other words, it's like tidying your bedroom but on your phone/device. There are many benefits to a digital declutter, including reducing our digital carbon footprint.

Why is it useful for students?

Between social media, notifications and messages, it's easy to get distracted, especially when it's time to focus on studying. This is where a digital declutter can really help.

• Improves focus and productivity: When files are organised, it's easy to find what you need, and removing unnecessary apps and notifications reduces constant distractions.
• Improves digital performance: Deleting unused apps, documents and old downloads frees up storage space and can extend battery life. This means you won't have to reach for your charger as often when you're already comfy on the sofa!
• More free time: If you're spending hours scrolling through pointless notifications, a digital declutter might be necessary. It'll not only free up your phone, but it'll free up time for hobbies, sleep and hanging out with friends. 

Helping your mental health

Digital clutter acts like physical clutter, triggering high stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Clearing it:

• Increases calm and clarity: Removing unnecessary items can help slow your mind and ease feelings of being overwhelmed.
• Less stress and pressure: Social media can consume us sometimes, and constant notifications can make us feel pressured to look at our phones. Decluttering and turning off certain notifications can reduce this.
• Improved mood: Decluttering may actually increase your mood and make you feel more relaxed and happier.

Declutter o'clock - 3 simple steps 

Create a list of your declutter goals and begin reducing your stress:

1. Start with the area that is causing you the most mental stress - Ask yourself: What would I start with first? This could be deleting photos, unused games, or old files on your laptop.
2. Create and maintain a simple system - This may be spending an hour organising apps into folders on your phone, sorting files on your laptop so last week's lecture notes are easier to find. 
3. Have fun with the process - Again, think of it like you're tidying your bedroom, put some music or a podcast on, or even declutter with a friend.

Your future self, the one who's calmly sat studying with no distractions, will thank you. Remember, you're not just helping yourself, you're also helping to improve the environment and reduce your carbon footprint ♻️