Simplify your digital life-for good | SUSTAINABLE steps for more minimalist & intentional tech use
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- Screen time limits, deleting apps, "quick fixes"-nothing helped me simplify and declutter my digital life for good until I examined the ideas behind how I use technology to begin with. In this video I go over ways I try to be intentional and minimalist in how I choose and use tech in my day-to-day, and draw on Cal Newport's ideas on digital minimalism.
These changes have not only lasted the years, but have helped me become more focused and calm since I've implemented them. This is something I feel strongly about, and really wanted to share. Simplifying the digital part of our lives is only getting more and more important.
I hope this video gives you even an idea or two to play around with and consider trying out!
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00:00 why I made this video
00:22 what I think digital minimalism is NOT (and is)
00:40 setting these help me a lot
01:15 an alternative to going "cold turkey" on notifs
02:07 my phone home screen
02:18 social media I've been off for years (Was it worth it?)
03:16 quick look at my desktop
03:27 why I don't prefer "all-in-one" devices/tech
04:20 rethinking productivity
05:21 (mr. pixel leaves makes a cameo!)
Getting a lot of questions about the PHONE WALLPAPER: you can find the original wallpaper by googling "minimalist camping wallpaper". (Since I'm not the original creator I don't feel it's my right to share the edited version I made for personal use.)
STUFF I USE DAILY
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pixel-leaves.com/gear
CUSTOMIZABLE E-INK DOWNLOADS
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Fully customizable linked PDF notebooks and editable templates for Supernote, Kindle Scribe, Remarkable and Boox e-ink tablets.
🛒 on Etsy at pixelleaves.etsy.com and at hellopixelleaves.com
▬▬▬ Recommended reading (etc.) ▬▬▬
📗 "Digital Minimalism" on Amazon: amzn.to/3LBqL9V
If you’ve found the concepts I mentioned in relation to digital minimalism interesting, I highly recommend reading the book on the topic written by Cal Newport, which covers much more and in more depth. He also discusses how to go about doing a 30-day “digital declutter” to help you figure out which tech to keep or let go of.
📘 "A World Without Email" on Amazon: amzn.to/3uP53JC
If you thought I didn’t go far enough with how I handle email, you might want to look at Newport’s newest book. In it, he advocates for ways to approach management and collaboration at work without relying so heavily on the email inbox. (I've been recommending this book to colleagues left and right!)
🌱 Tree lamp on Amazon: amzn.to/3uOnCO1
If you're just curious about that dimmable tree lamp with a wireless charging pad I used in the video, that exact one was a gift but this looks like the same one on Amazon. It works with my iPhone 12 mini, and my husband uses it with his iPhone 10.
▬▬▬ 🌿 Support the channel 🌿▬▬▬
ko-fi.com/pixelleaves
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#digitalminimalism #minimalist #productivity
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Noticing a bunch of comments asking where I got certain things, so adding links below!
► Phone case: amzn.to/3Ow7n0C (in Walnut)
► Keyboard: amzn.to/3OI8Ku7
► E-ink tablet is a Supernote, purchased from Supernote.com (I have videos on that and other tablets on the channel)
► Blue pen is this model: amzn.to/3KssT4R WITH the top half of an EMR pen: amzn.to/3YjRxKR
► Headphones: amzn.to/3qcgvPQ (still excellent in 2023 imho)
► Lamp with charging pad: amzn.to/3Olvxe1
About the PHONE WALLPAPER: you can find the original by googling "minimalist camping wallpaper". (Since I'm not the original creator I don't feel it's my right to share the edited version I made for my personal use.)
What about that wireless charger/lamp
Hey thanks for this -- I'm curious which laptop stand you are using here?
Can you please post the link of the wallpaper here please ❤
This was a great perspective! As an engineer / techy, I've come to realize that I spend a lot of time attached to technology, so I've been taking a conscious approach to cutting down my "non-essential" screen time. I stubbornly admit that I've grown to associate a lot of leisure time with technology, so I've been focusing on alternatives such as reading, and cooking!
Thanks for sharing this! I’m still a student but I definitely identify with this!
I mention being off social media for 5+ years. I didn’t want to focus on it too much in the video, but if you were curious about my advice for the transition, my experiences etc.-please do leave a comment on what you'd like to know more about and I’ll do my best to cover it in a future video :)
I'd love to get your thoughts on how you manage to use *some* social media (under a pseudonym, like you'd mentioned) without being sucked into the addictive ecosystem. I have deactivated all my accounts too, and I love the way it feels--but as a young student I constantly feel the pressure to at least be on LinkedIn so I can network professionally. But on the other hand, I'm afraid LinkedIn will end up being some kind of gateway drug.
@@mukundanalexander9065 Thank you for the suggestion! I was about to leave a comment but realized it's a pretty rich topic that I think I should elaborate on more in video form. (I will say though: I think LinkedIn is almost necessary in some career fields, and I have friends who have been offered employment through it, so I would go ahead and make sure you at least have a profile!)
The calmness of the video is good
Hi! Do you still plan to do the video about social medias?
That would be an amazing video
Im am in a transition right know, is like 2 years i dont have an active instagram and barely use it twitter
But as a young man in collage i find hard to stay tuned with the other stuff or just hard to keep connections that live far from me like old friend and stuff
I love Cal Newport's advice. I've read both Digital Minimalism and Deep Work. Both of which deal with the intentional use of tech. One piece of advice from him that stuck out to me was to treat my phone like a desktop computer when working. Put it in one place (away from your worksplace and go to it when I need to use it, then put it back when you're done.
'Learning to know the Standard Operating Procedure of a device.' This might be one of the best advices I have gotten while trying to curb my time on phone/devices. It not only tells you what do you use your phone for, but it enlists what can it used for more, and what it should not be used for. I think defining scope of something really lets us control how much of its involvement we are allowing in our lives. And that is a powerful move. Thank you for sharing this video.
Honestly one of the best digital minimalism videos (and I watch a lot of them)! I come back to this video just to get refreshed and inspired to improve my digital minimalism setups.
Keep it up Pixel Leaves!
That’s what i forgot, planning things to do for the week which are realistic. My boss always says that to our team but i did not fully realize it until a load of work piled on me because of me being overwhelmed. Thank you for reminding us to focus on the essentials when working, to focus first on how we do tasks than how to manage the tech for our tasks.
Love the video! I switched to only keeping essential apps and widgets on my phones home screen a little over 2 years ago and it's been very helpful in reducing my screen time. I also recently made new social media accounts and only added friends and family I wanted to stay in touch with which has also helped reduce my time on social media while also making it more personal and enjoyable. I also love keeping my files and photos organized by folders and albums, respectively.
Love your idea of how instead of deleting the apps/reducing the number of devices that you use, we can limit the usage of these devices by setting priorities right and changing the relationship we have with those apps!
The thing you did for social media is awesome!
I always wanted to leave both Instagram and Facebook but those are the best places to look for things to buy and support local production. Will try this approach and see how it goes.
Also, the message about slow productivity is great will look further.
Thanks for sharing! Greeting from Argentina.
Totally agreed with the social media approach, lately i realize how seamless it is to use "nameless" social media accounts when required and be done with it, even more with less attachments to my time and emotion.
Love that you have House of Leaves on your desk - a piece of literature that's almost the antithesis of minimalism! Great book!
I should watch less videos on TH-cam, that's pretty sure, but sometimes even these evil algorithms brings me something special. Music hidden gems, DIY tips, academic speeches..and you!
Love your way of doing videos (I think your voice it's really hypnotic and calm) and the philosophy behind them. I am pretty sure If I should meet you by chance one day, you would be an amazing friend to talk with.
Love you, keep enjoying your life :)
Thank you. Wouuld love to hear more about minimalism. Your approach is very intentional.
Great concept and working minimalistically while staying productive. I have gone through similar way as a digital artist :
My iPad Pro is my main sketching and painting platform
My kindle paperwhite to read and stay off the physical books for a year and only buy two novels physically that I want to keep.
My note air 2 plus (which is coming on the way) is my digital sketching/note taking tablet that I can have it to be a dedicated digital device between the kindle and iPad.
My desktop PC mainly for finishing and exporting media content to my Instagram and other creative websites.
I have some video games consoles but they don’t have a solid workflow part in my life. They tend to be based on how free time I can spare. Hoping to reduce that as well
Just wanted to let you know I’ve watched all your videos( getting my A5x) and love them. Keep making awesome content. Well done.
Ditto
What a massive case! Thank you for the tips, I'll be using some.
You only recently just started this channel it seems and your videos are addictively good! Please keep it up.
Thanks so much for this kind comment! I will definitely try to haha
This is such a super video! Love the Cal Newport quotes there!
Stumbled on your channel while searching for reviews on the Supernote A5X. Refreshing and nice to see someone encouraging people to return to 'normal.'
I have been running a small consultancy business for over 25 years and of course have seen things change so much in that time. I only recently realised I have let technology and social media take over my life to the extent I think it controls me rather than the opposite. I need technology for business but it is unhealthy and due to clients being in different time zones there is rarely downtime so it is usually takes up much of my time until I cannot cope anymore and I just have to turn it off. This is not a healthy balance and I am trying to learn to say no to clients but it is difficult as I remember the days when there was little work and I really needed their custom.
I appreciate it might seem strange someone considerably older asking for suggestions but they would be much appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for your comment!
I know I sound like such a fangirl but I suggest looking into Cal Newport’s books, and his podcast is a nice listen-a lot of his ideas really resonate with me. The episodes are on TH-cam too if that’s where you prefer to listen. Here’s a recent episode which I really enjoyed (and am trying to apply!): th-cam.com/video/nINoPr3nSBQ/w-d-xo.html
@@pixelleaves Thanks, have listened to his first podcast - he has so many lol!
Nice video and topic!
Will try some of your tips
One idea that makes your phone way less attractive and made me not watch too much YT on my phone anymore (in fact, I flat out don't use media on my phone) is to just make your screen grayscale.
Yup, no colors. On my phone, a humble Motorola, there is a setting for accessibility for color blinded people that allows me to change the colors of the display, from changing colors to different palletes, depending on your color blindness type, down to full grayscale.
I'm not colorblind, I just got that hint from a friend, and it works. Alongside a boring theme, almost no icons, as few animations as possible and so on, the phone feels like an e-ink thing. It is magical how the colors make it more appealing.
Awesome! I use the same solutions adopted by you. A5x instead IPad, calendar vs facebook to remind me birthdays, etc... But I think that your smartphone organization is fantastic!
Thanks for noticing the phone setup! 😁 I will say now it’s quite convenient but the setup was a bit involved haha
Hey there, I haven't like cut out my social media, but I use Notion to control everything and anything I do, like playing music, and just basic stuff like finishing tasks.
just came accross this channel very useful and interesting content. keep up the hard work👑
That Bonsai Lamp is cool as hell!!
I see I did not comment on this video. First, excellent work. Second, Newport rocks!
I know how I found you -- the SuperNote A5x you're using. I used one for almost two years now and am thinking I will set it aside for paper. My paper bullet journal is calling me, as well as my fountain pens.
I'll be sticking around to see what else you bring to us. Thanks so much.
Good content for being more productive. BTW can you share the wallpaper you used on your mobile?
Where can I find that tent wallpaper? thank you for the vid!
Great videos :) I'm debating on getting an a5x and stumbled on this channel! I am working towards digital minimalism too and it's great to hear your advice.
I'm still struggling between an a5x or a boox note air 2 for university though :(
If you need a backlight or any apps a Boox is your only good option. However thinking back to my days in uni think I might pick up a Supernote for durability as well as it’s features th-cam.com/video/klkvKevmjj0/w-d-xo.html
I would also check out Edvard Benson on TH-cam - he makes Remarkable 2 videos but seeing how he uses his for study might help!
Thanks for sharing this Pixel Leaves! Once again, I’ve really enjoyed your content.
I managed to score a pretty affordable SN on eBay, though it’s an A5x :/… it is bigger than I expected but it’s been quite enjoyable.
I’ve only JUST set up some things in line with your the tour of your set up video. I’m still trying to get my head around a helpful workflow and this video has been a neat compliment to that.
I’ve personally been very digital with all my projects, so it’ll be a bit of a transition to start fitting in the Supernote. I hope to move away from so much screen time!
Thank you so much for this kind comment! :)
Glad to hear you’re enjoying your A5X (and got it at a good deal)! I definitely find my SN a nice break for my eyes, from using a screen for almost everything else (including TH-cam haha). Happy to hear the videos have helped a bit with figuring things out
Good for you giving up on social media! I did the same and it gives you a lot of time back that can go into more important things.
Definitely! I know it’s not possible/practical to do it to the same extent for everyone, but I do think cutting out what you can makes a big difference.
What widget app do you use on your home screen to push the icons down? It looks really neat and I really want to adapt that onto my phone but can't seem to find the right app for the widget 😅
my home screen on my android device is literally just a search bar, no distractions, I can get wherever I need to go anywhere on the phone in less than 2 seconds. It stops me from scrolling through all my apps looking for something to do, or trying to remember where something is. I have shorthand names for many of my apps that I can type and it will take me straight there without even having to press any extra buttons. I believe that making my time spent with technology as efficient and lightweight as possible should be a somewhat priority
I recently moved and couldn’t take my gaming computer with me. Being able to separate my work machine (laptop) from my gaming machine (now a steam deck) has been very helpful in keeping my work focused
Wow that was a really good video, Thanks for that! It's interesting to see how you use technology to get work done, it looks really smart and thoughtful. I very much like this minimal approach with the intention to focus on one thing as much as possible. Again, Thanks for this video, it's really inspiring! One question: What kind of tablet is that e-ink display you are taking notes on?
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Doing this for a while now but here to acknowledge that there are some people doing it for betterment and not consider not normal
Amazing video!!! Thanks for the message and I loved your voice, so calm!
Could you share your wallpaper please?
great video, thanks for sharing
Great video!
Good work on this!
Omg yesss, Pocket Casts makes the cut! Definitely my all time favorite app, that dev team really does fantastic work to make an enjoyable, solid app that does 1 job really well!
It’s excellent! I actually pay for Plus too so I get my podcasts synced across all my devices 😬 great app!
Hey, great video! Just curious about how you're using the Lamy Safari on a tablet?
Are you using the default widget calendar on your iPhone? How you get that space in between from the apps at the bottom and the apps underneath the calendar? I really like the simplicity in it.
I LOVE THIS ❤
thanks for this video. I really love your content and very looking forward to your new post
Thank you and happy you enjoyed it! :)
liked the phone case , where did you get it pls tell
Really like your videos and reviews and your voice as well 😊 I'm getting my little A6x
Thank you, and hope you like yours! I know some people think it's too small but I genuinely love the size haha
What app is that in the lower left corner? And than i would ask where i can find wallpaper like that. Thank you so much, love your videos❤
Where did you get the black/blue wallpaper that you use in the thumbnail? I really like it :)
link for the Link screen you ordered ???and can you highlight on that ???
what did you use for that calendar on your homescreen
Great videos. I'm currently considering buying a Blackberry Bold 9900. Just use it for texts, calls and emails. Unfortunately I don't think it's supported anymore.
one way i minimalise my notifications is muting every single group chats. i can see them when i intentionally open whatsapp, not when my phone rings when someone unwantedly sends a message or shares a meme on group.
Thank you for your minimal-ish video! I'm curious what your Supernote -> Obsidian workflow is, if any. I've recently switched from OneNote to Obsidian. The main drawback so far is that Obsidian doesn't support handwritten notes. Do you have an export/conversion process to move your notes from the SN to Obsidian?
I just convert to PDF and drop it in (I don’t convert to text), since I just use it as reference
I deleted many social media and try to use mindfully to check dms and for local businesses too
Gonna need that full length tutorial from Mr. Pixel Leaves…
(Great vid btw, I approve of the tea as well)
I’ll let him know there are those who seek his wisdom haha
what font are you using onscreen? its very nice but i dont recognize it off the top of my head
Hi, I’m in the same path, even fan of Cal Newport long time ago. I recently read the book from Johan Haris “Stolen Focus” Amazing book. One question. The photos where did you get it? Which camera? And make more of this style videos please.
hello, can you please tell me how you made such a calendar widget on the home screen?
on what device are you taking notes? is it kindle scribe?
Which apps are the left and right one in the homescreen dock?
I've completely eliminated entertainment from my life. When I use TH-cam, I only watch things I want to learn. It has really helped me avoid mindlessly consuming content on these digital platforms. Binge-watching reels or entertainment often doesn't add value to our lives; in fact, it can decrease our overall quality of life.
What keyboard make is that lying on your right side of your table?
Thanks for sharing. I love the patient production quality of your videos. I was wondering about the wireless mechanical keyboard on your desk. Is it worth the extra clutter? Any thoughts / recommendations? Cheers.
Hi, thanks for the comment! Typing on the laptop keyboard isn’t the best for ergonomics, so it’s worth it to me to get a wireless one so I can type in better positions (with it on my lap, etc.). The one in the video is a Keychron K6 which I would actually recommend as a good solid mechanical keyboard that isn’t too expensive!
I have used several mechanical keyboards and a few membrane types. Best membrane 'feel' keyboard is (was?) Roccat Isku FX, 2nd best is MS Sidewinder X6 (w/detachable keypad and both L/R). Best 'feel' I have ever tried was the CoolerMaster NovaTouch TKL w/Topre switches (bought in 2016 sold a few week ago w profit!). All/most mechanical keyboards have a long key travel which is a downer for me. TKL, as i am sure you know, is better ergonomically as your mouse will be closer to you.
I now use the Logitech_G915-TKL wireless keyboard: it's excellent! Mechanical w/short key travel, variable lighting which is really nice if its dark (I almost never game). Plus it connects to my PC via 'Lightspeed' wireless AND via bluetooth to my smartphones (I don't like the small touch keyboards). Battery life is VERY good.
Only downside is the software: it should get a prize for worst software ever made! YT videos try to explain how to save your color setup in the flash memory because it is so difficult that nobody can figure it out. All things considered I highly recommend this wireless keyboard. I got mine in Alu/white with Tactile keys.
hi, great vid & totally share your approach. i a was wondering how did you managed to place a calender on your iphone background, it seems to be really convenient.. is it just a downloaded background picure or some app?
It’s a widget from Widgy!
Anyone knows this Wallpaper from the Iphone Homescreen?
I feel social media is making me waste my days you made the right choice! I ´m doing the same! Please tell me what case are you using on your iphone.
If you add birthday details into your Google contacts, it will also show up in the Google calendar. Just putting this one here, this feature helps me a ton.
Love wallpaper phone 😍
Hello, interesting video. How the apple watch help your productivity and not adding distractions?
I recently switched from my iphone 13 to an old iPhone se from 2016, I cant check my socials or browse the web on it because the phone is too slow lol, and I have been way less distracted and actually enjoy doing things I used to do and I no longer feel like i need to check it every 10 minutes.
Love your content. I have been thinking about the A6x as well. How did you order it from the Philippines?
Just from the website! They ship via DHL so it was to my door. :) Supernote.com
its been 3 years since i deleted social media and its fucking fantastic.
How do you keep the apps in between the screen without having apps on top?
great content i watched today
I recognize that wallpaper from your PC! It's from Andrew Levitt, right?
Thanks a lot for the video? What kind of calendar widget are you using?
It’s a Widgy widget :)
@@pixelleaves thx so much!!!
Hello! What widget do you have on the top of your screen on iphone? (i see that it is calendar) which one? Thx
Widgy
Did you mention the name of that digital note pad/book tablet?
What case for your iphone? 2:13
was a that a lamy safari/al-star?
I like the concept of slow productivity a lot; based on your short explanation, it seems like it gels with me pretty well.
How do you translate that into the day to day? I haven't really had great results trying to organize my time in the past, and I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on that
This is where I differ from Cal Newport in that I have never had success with sticking to strict timeblocking at the daily level.
Day to day I think it's mostly that I do have, say, 1-2 things I want to work/focus on which contribute to larger projects (aside from meetings etc. which I can't control) and make sure to block time for those things, and try to take a longer view so I don't sweat individual days as much as possible; I'm flexible with smaller tasks/necessary busywork as long as I stay within big deadlines, and may set aside a day or block of time to do those types of tasks so I don't think about them while doing other things.
On the general level, I try to apply ideas like not taking on too much work to begin with (learning to say "no" is honestly hard!), clear boundaries for myself so I'm not always on call for everything, focusing on quality of work/product etc. I think it all becomes a bit easier to apply after making the conscious choice to step away from the really prevalent vibe of "grinding"/"hustle"/"constant busyness is productivity" around nowadays!
Deleting socials really helped my mental health
Personally, in the case of social networks, I have not uninstalled them, but I have defined a specific option to stop using them all 😅
This was very helpful. Do you think the iPhone Mini works well for minimalism? Do you still use it?
I still use my iPhone 12 Mini, with basically the same setup!
where's the lamp from?
whats the blue pen at 0:19?
What to-do app do you use?
what is he white tablet? A kindle?
what notebook are you using?
2:37 which font is this
My SN should ship tomorrow 😄. And yes, ditching social media (a cancer on the body politic) is a no brainer. TH-cam is as close as I get.
Congratulations (in advance) on your new SN! :)
Excelent video, please link your home wallpaper!!!!! :(
i think you should try a minimalist launcher it helps a lot
Hi, I couldn’t get what you call the digital notebook that you have. Rewinded about 5x and still couldn’t get the name 😅 What is it called? Thanks!
It's a Supernote A6X :)
what's your phone case brand?
So glad I found this, like the insights of the channel "leffie"
What do you do for work