Let’s be honest, our digital lives can feel just as cluttered as our homes, sometimes more. At least mine does. One look at the number of tabs open at one time, the unread emails, and a folder of emails to respond to (that sometimes get forgotten). ARGH…the endless emails, photos, social media scrolls…it piles up. And just like tidying a room, creating a few small weekly digital rituals can make everything feel lighter, calmer, and more intentional.

Here are the things I try do once a week that keep my tech from overwhelming me, and actually make it feel like a tool that works for me instead of against me.

Why did I even TAKE this photo?

1. The Photo Clean-Out

Once a week, I spend ten minutes deleting blurry, duplicate, or unnecessary photos from my phone. It’s amazing how freeing it feels to clear space and actually be able to find the moments that matter. I used to just leave them, which made looking through my photos almost impossible. Even searching by date was a chore until I started taking a few minutes and getting rid of those I’d never use or want again.

My tip: I use those few minutes while waiting in line or having my morning coffee. It’s amazing how much you can delete in little bursts.

2. The Inbox Refresh

Every week, I unsubscribe from at least three emails I never read. I just did it last night AND this morning. It’s like decluttering a closet. You make room for what you do enjoy. The advertisements for products you’ll never buy (mine from sweepstakes that I’ve entered that require you to subscribe to enter) add up. I don’t know about yours, but my inbox starts to feel less like a to-do list and more like a space that serves you.

My tip: I reward myself after hitting “unsubscribe” with something tiny, like checking one fun newsletter I do love to read.

3. Social Media Curation

Scrolling can be joyful or draining, depending on what shows up. Once a week, I unfollow or mute one account that doesn’t inspire me anymore. Then, I follow one new account that sparks joy, laughter, or learning.

My tip: I keep a little list of accounts that make me feel good. When I’m tempted to scroll mindlessly, I go directly to those instead.

4. App Audit

Once a week, I look at the apps on my phone and ask: “Do I use this?” If not, I delete or offload it. Less clutter on the screen means less clutter in my brain.

My tip: I move the apps I want to use less (shopping, social media, etc.) off the first screen. Out of sight, out of mind—at least most of the time. I also make folders, so I can make a JUNK DRAWER folder, just in case there’s something I use, but not very often, and not for important things (like work).

5. A Digital-Free Hour

This is my favorite ritual: once a week, I pick an hour or two to go completely tech-free. No phone, no TV, no laptop. Just me, a book, a walk, or a conversation. It resets my mind and reminds me that life exists off-screen.

My tip: I often choose Sunday mornings for this. There’s something about starting the day slow, without screens, that feels like a deep breath for the whole week ahead.

Wrapping It Up

Your digital life doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few small rituals like clearing photos, curating social feeds, unsubscribing from emails, deleting unused apps, and taking a digital-free hour, you can turn your online world into something supportive instead of stressful.

Because when your tech feels lighter, you feel lighter too.