Mindful Wellness Tips: Simple Practices to Start Today

The Wake-Up Call

Not long ago, I realized how much of my day was being swallowed by notifications and endless scrolling. Even simple joys—like sipping coffee in the morning—were competing with my phone. That’s when I picked up Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. His approach showed me that mindful wellness isn’t about giving up technology; it’s about making it serve what truly matters.

Here are five practices I’ve woven into my life—simple steps you can start today to clear digital clutter and create more peace.

1. Schedule Weekly Digital Sabbaths

Choose one half-day each week to disconnect from all non-essential screens.

• Turn off social media, email, and news alerts.

• Use the time to take a nature walk, read a physical book, or enjoy an offline hobby.

Why it works: Regular digital breaks reset your attention and reduce mental fatigue—so you return to your devices refreshed, not frazzled.

2. Apply the 30-Minute Rule

Whenever you pick up your phone, set a timer for 30 minutes of purposeful use.

• Limit catching up on social media or reading the news to this window.

• Outside of those sessions, keep your phone out of sight.

Pro Tip (How I Do It): For me, this happens in the morning while I drink my coffee. From 6:00 to 6:30, I catch up on digital news and informational emails. Once that window closes, I move on with my day—no scrolling, no lingering. It’s a routine that sets a boundary and keeps my mind clear for what matters next.

3. Curate Your Notification Settings

Go through your apps and disable every notification that isn’t mission-critical.

• Keep alerts only for calls, text messages, and calendar reminders.

• Mute or delete apps that constantly demand your attention.

Example from My Life: I keep 90% of my notifications turned off. The only ones that come through are for my priority relationships, saved on my iPhone “Favorites” list. That’s it. No constant pings, no endless interruptions—just the people I love most getting straight through when they need me.

4. Create an Evening Phone Curfew

Set a daily cutoff time—ideally 60 minutes before bed—when all screens are off.

• Swap your phone for a bedside book or journal.

• Use dim lighting and calming routines to signal your brain it’s time to wind down.

Why it works: Blue light and late-night alerts disrupt sleep quality. A phone curfew supports deeper rest and better next-day focus.

5. Rediscover Analog Hobbies

Replace one digital pastime with a hands-on activity each week.

• Try sketching, baking, gardening, or playing an instrument.

• Notice how unplugging sparks creativity and presence.

From My Own Life: I garden and paint whenever I can. Both connect me back to a sense of creativity and calm, and I’ve noticed they actually help me show up more creatively in my business and in the digital space. It’s amazing how stepping away from screens can fuel better ideas when I come back.

The Gift of Less

Digital minimalism has taught me that mindful wellness doesn’t require huge changes—just intentional ones. When you choose fewer distractions, you make space for more of what matters: clarity, creativity, and calm.