These “best of” lists with product and service recommendations might seem counterintuitive to minimalism–and they can be, for sure! But I think having more information about what’s out there can give us guidance and clarity on what we keep and what we leave, including in our digital life.
Best apps for minimalists.
So here are seven of the best minimalist app options to consider!
1. Libby – free ebooks and audiobooks
Libby is my #1 most-used app! All you need is a library card, and you can access thousands of titles in ebooks and audiobooks–for free!
If you don’t have a library card, get on it, babe! They’re free, easy to get, and your local library workers are probably bored and would love to help you out.
2. Notion – plan your life in a mindful way
Notion is perfect for…everything? It possesses every function you could dream up. Use it to organize your life, calendar, brainstorms, to-do lists, and anything else. There are truly endless functions and templates to try out.
Make it as simple or as complicated as you want–this might be one of the most productive apps you’ll ever use.
3. Signal – communicate privately
Signal is a two-way encrypted, open-source messaging app. If you want a simpler interface for communicating with your friends, or if you’re concerned about digital privacy, try it out!
4. Spotify Lite – music for a minimalist phone
Spotify on its own is a great addition to a minimalist’s phone–listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks all in one place. But Spotify Lite has the added bonus of a simplified layout with fewer features and functions. It’s helpful if you’re using an older phone, or if you’d just like to use something simpler!
5. Presently – daily journal app
Presently is a daily gratitude journal. If you’re not one for the paper-and-pen vibe, this is a great way to get in a little journaling and mindfulness each day.
The app provides writing prompts, as well as a search function to sort through your past entries. Other than that, it’s a simple, pared down app with a singular focus.
6. Just Rain – soft noise maker
Just Rain is a super simple app, just for rain sounds! It’s great for having a little noise to fall asleep to. If you already snatched Spotify Lite, skip this one, because Spotify has tons of rain and nature sounds tracks.
7. No apps – minimize screen time
And the most minimalist app option of all is to have no apps. Go fully analog, if you’d like! It can be freeing to use tools outside of our phone to accomplish daily tasks while reducing screen time.
If you’d like a fun challenge and to REALLY lessen your smartphone usage, consider buying one of these tools (secondhand, if you can) to replace some functions!
- Flip phone or “dumb” phone (if you’d like to replace the smartphone completely)
- Kitchen timer
- Wristwatch
- Alarm clock
- Camera
- Walkman/MP3 player
- e-reader (or physical books)
- Flashlight
- GPS
- Bullet journal to replace note taking apps
- Physical calendar
- Noise machine
Having all of these tools (and more) in one device can be great for minimalism and life in general, but at a certain point, technology begins to have a negative effect. Many people are sick of the control that technology has over our mood and lives, so they’re looking to put a little space between themselves and their phone.
Think of the ways you use your phone, then consider real-life, less connected alternatives you can use to fulfill those needs.
You don’t have to go no-technology to be mindful and healthy, but you do have to find the balance that works best for you.
Digital health for minimalists.
Minimalism applies to our digital life as much as our real life. We spend so much time in our devices, and having a cluttered space there can make us feel anxious. Take the time to do a phone/computer clear-out and organization. You’ll feel better looking at it, I promise!
1. Digital declutter
A good declutter of your digital space will make your phone (or laptop/tablet) experience more streamlined and less stressful.
We have a full guide on digital decluttering, but here’s a simple to-do list:
- Delete unused or unwanted apps, including shopping apps and games
- Use a folder system to organize remaining apps
- Back up and organize wanted files, then delete the rest
Tip: If you’re struggling to get through your photos, videos, and screenshots due to the sheer volume (relatable), I recommend going by the day! Sort your photos by today’s date, then go through that day for each year you have files. It can be much less intimidating to make it a small daily task.
2. Reduce screen time
If you told someone in the 2000s that four hours a day would one day be considered “low” screen time, they’d balk. Because it’s insane!
Use app timers, screen-time trackers, and your good old power of will to reduce your screen time, even marginally.
3. Prioritize physical and mental health
Phones offer constant stimulation and distraction from whatever negativity we may be experiencing–internally or externally.
Social media timelines and apps are structured and designed to suck you in and make you lose track of time, from endless scroll features to the color of the background. It’s similar to how casinos use psychology to manipulate and nurture addiction–no windows, no clocks, cold air, free alcohol, etc. It disconnects you from reality–and even your own body–to keep you enraptured.
Being stuck in one position, staring at a glowing screen a foot away from your face, and not having nearly as many in-person interactions as we need in a day, all contribute to worse overall health. And those are just the surface issues.
Start making small changes to prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing, like holding your phone higher up to reduce neck tension, using sleep mode to lessen eye strain, and taking breaks to get outside and talk to people face-to-face.
4. Be present
When you’re visiting with friends, leave the phone in the other room. If you’re in a waiting room, spend at least a few minutes observing the environment and being present in your body before you hide in your phone. Try to have a conversation with an interested stranger while waiting in line instead of contributing to your neck crick, myopia, and attention deficit.
Try to keep your head up for a full day out of the house, and look at everyone around you. When we see it from the outside, people with their eyes glued to their phone look like zombies. They’re totally unaware of what’s happening around them, mind too full of noise to produce its own original thoughts or problem-solve, and there’s little to no human connection.
This is hurting us, individually and socially.
So put the phone down, even if for a few minutes, and take in the world around you. You might be surprised at how much you’ve been missing!
5. Make your screen experience less enticing
It’s pretty easy to unlock your phone to send a quick text, then get lost in the sauce and not come up for air until the sun has set.
Apps are designed to keep us “engaged,” which means to keep our eyes glued to whatever content they decide to feed us. You can eliminate distractions and tweak your settings to make it less exciting to stay “in” your phone.
Swap your phone to monochrome mode or use a dark theme so your brain is less excited to look at it. Silence notifications so you’re only checking your phone when YOU want to–not at the whims of the ding.
Don’t forget to read the digital declutter guide to get your devices streamlined and stress-free–and maybe a little less enticing to live in.
