When was the last time you had a meal without checking your social media? How often do you change passwords on your computer? What about putting your phone down and looking up? If you’re like most people these days, you might feel overwhelmed by technology. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve come up with a list of simple tips to help you maintain a healthy digital diet and make your 2023 more productive and rewarding.
1. Delete apps you haven’t used for a while
Review all the installed applications on your phone and computer and ask yourself if they are still useful. If you haven’t opened the app for a year, consider deleting it for good. You’ll declutter your devices and have more space for new software.
2. Minimize social media use
If you feel addicted to your phone, it’s a good idea to set some boundaries when it comes to checking your social media accounts. Start from minimizing your follow lists to make the feed more relevant to your interests. You can also set a timer to track the time you spend scrolling. Finally, consider spending one day a week without your phone and social media.
3. Mute notifications on your smartphone
Endless incoming alerts make it difficult to concentrate on anything outside your phone. Do you really need to get notified about every comment on your latest post or discounts at the nearby store? Adjust your settings to get only notifications that really matter to you.
4. Run regular Mac cleanups
Make it a habit to clean your system from unneeded stuff that wastes disk space and affects your Mac’s speed. You can use CleanMyMac X to easily declutter your machine, bring it up to speed, and make sure that no harmful malware is lurking in your system.
5. Back up your data
You probably have data on your devices that’s too valuable to lose — business documents, research papers, wedding photos, etc. Believe us, regular backups lead to a piece of mind so that in the event of system crashes or cybercrimes, you can quickly restore all the information you need.
6. Change your passwords
Never use the same password for all of your online accounts. If it gets leaked, cybercriminals will have access to any account you have. To keep your data safe and secure, think if you reuse the same passwords, don’t forget to change passwords from time to time, and always choose the strong ones.
7. Be careful with links and attachments
Not all emails you get into your inbox are from legitimate sources. Some of them may contain links to malicious sites that want to get your personal information like card credentials or logins with passwords. Therefore, think twice before clicking a link or downloading a file from an email you’ve got.
8. Update your software regularly
Updating your software is essential to a secure digital life. Make sure you have the latest versions of your operating system, installed apps, and browsers to reduce vulnerabilities and have the most reliable versions of your software. To view all available updates on your Mac and get the latest versions right away, make use of CleanMyMac’s Updater tool.
9. Keep tech out of the bedroom
Checking out social media or reading the news on your phone at night may seem to be a harmless habit. But this can actually affect your sleep. Think about reserving your bed for rest and relaxation, keeping all the digital distractions away.
10. Have tech-free days
Leave your devices behind and pursue hobbies or other activities that make you happy. Spend time with family and friends, read a print book, go for a walk in the forest, or just try something new. You’ll see that digital detox will be rewarding for your well-being.
Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to look at your tech habits and probably tweak them a bit. Just keep in mind that technology is meant to make our lives better rather than being overwhelming. Take care of yourself and have a very happy new year!
