Simplify your digital life-for good | SUSTAINABLE steps for more minimalist & intentional tech use

[@pixelleaves]

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.)

[@ezkur]

What about that wireless charger/lamp

[@qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq-q]

Hey thanks for this -- I'm curious which laptop stand you are using here?

[@Unknownparamathma]

Can you please post the link of the wallpaper here please ❤

[@QWEEKEN73]

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!

[@codexous]

Thanks for sharing this! I’m still a student but I definitely identify with this!

[@TyroneLT]

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.

[@pixelleaves]

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 :)

[@mukundanalexander9065]

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.

[@pixelleaves]

@@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!)

[@krystalannawilliams2653]

The calmness of the video is good

[@Sofik_19]

Hi! Do you still plan to do the video about social medias?

[@MichelLedig]

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

[@being_indie]

'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.

[@fishdafishda]

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.

[@zMasvidal]

Love that you have House of Leaves on your desk - a piece of literature that's almost the antithesis of minimalism! Great book!

[@brotheryoung]

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!

[@Praddyyy]

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!

[@FrancescoG4]

I should watch less videos on KZbin, 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 :)

[@Envyon]

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.

[@nahuelcanchy1327]

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.

[@avililach]

Just wanted to let you know I’ve watched all your videos( getting my A5x) and love them. Keep making awesome content. Well done.

[@yes1455]

Ditto

[@Saad_Drawings]

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

[@toolfinderhq]

This is such a super video! Love the Cal Newport quotes there!

[@kaioocarvalho]

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.

[@shakotlokman]

You only recently just started this channel it seems and your videos are addictively good! Please keep it up.

[@pixelleaves]

Thanks so much for this kind comment! I will definitely try to haha

[@ACMendez]

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.

[@nvrumi]

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.

[@kandyknight5221]

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

[@MarkRodriguezACC]

Thank you. Wouuld love to hear more about minimalism. Your approach is very intentional.

[@deq2889]

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 😅

[@azamato]

I deleted many social media and try to use mindfully to check dms and for local businesses too

[@aintyourcupoftea]

I've completely eliminated entertainment from my life. When I use KZbin, 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.

[@joni8829_]

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.

[@kalyanirvs]

Good content for being more productive. BTW can you share the wallpaper you used on your mobile?

[@_louel]

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.

[@taimooralibukhari]

Doing this for a while now but here to acknowledge that there are some people doing it for betterment and not consider not normal

[@colinkamoda9502]

That Bonsai Lamp is cool as hell!!

[@alessandrooteri2894]

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!

[@pixelleaves]

Thanks for noticing the phone setup! 😁 I will say now it’s quite convenient but the setup was a bit involved haha

[@natMMI]

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

[@KNGTTO]

Where can I find that tent wallpaper? thank you for the vid!

[@Peluzzo100]

What a massive case! Thank you for the tips, I'll be using some.

[@vrk1131]

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.

[@jonathanphillips5514]

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.

[@pixelleaves]

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 KZbin too if that’s where you prefer to listen. Here’s a recent episode which I really enjoyed (and am trying to apply!): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqxoIOoaNOGeLM

[@jonathanphillips5514]

@@pixelleaves Thanks, have listened to his first podcast - he has so many lol!

[@RyanMcQuen]

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.

[@pixelleaves]

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.

[@MatthewOrres]

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!

[@pixelleaves]

It’s excellent! I actually pay for Plus too so I get my podcasts synced across all my devices 😬 great app!

[@MuhammadAli-ny7vn]

just came accross this channel very useful and interesting content. keep up the hard work👑

[@webing1725]

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.

[@Morcego538]

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.

[@overloss1237]

Hey, great video! Just curious about how you're using the Lamy Safari on a tablet?

[@HH-mf8qz]

Nice video and topic! Will try some of your tips

[@yummysoup]

its been 3 years since i deleted social media and its fucking fantastic.

[@penultimaparada]

Amazing video!!! Thanks for the message and I loved your voice, so calm! Could you share your wallpaper please?

[@MsSimpledesign]

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.

[@pixelleaves]

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!

[@freedomfighter5222]

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.

[@LARKIN5950]

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 :(

[@pixelleaves]

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 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ3Op36bq9KdoJI I would also check out Edvard Benson on KZbin - he makes Remarkable 2 videos but seeing how he uses his for study might help!

[@sudheshsankarkk]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@Ride_XP]

Gonna need that full length tutorial from Mr. Pixel Leaves… (Great vid btw, I approve of the tea as well)

[@pixelleaves]

I’ll let him know there are those who seek his wisdom haha

[@scyence69]

what did you use for that calendar on your homescreen

[@ernestintownandjackintheco1024]

My SN should ship tomorrow 😄. And yes, ditching social media (a cancer on the body politic) is a no brainer. KZbin is as close as I get.

[@pixelleaves]

Congratulations (in advance) on your new SN! :)

[@basselhkhaled]

Good work on this!

[@nevermayB]

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!

[@pixelleaves]

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 KZbin haha). Happy to hear the videos have helped a bit with figuring things out

[@golofa4935]

great video, thanks for sharing

[@huanma6861]

Really like your videos and reviews and your voice as well 😊 I'm getting my little A6x

[@pixelleaves]

Thank you, and hope you like yours! I know some people think it's too small but I genuinely love the size haha

[@GeorgeTokarenko]

Thanks a lot for the video? What kind of calendar widget are you using?

[@pixelleaves]

It’s a Widgy widget :)

[@GeorgeTokarenko]

@@pixelleaves thx so much!!!

[@willopillo]

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.

[@kiens_]

Great video!

[@asadfarraj]

I recognize that wallpaper from your PC! It's from Andrew Levitt, right?

[@wilyounghusband5267]

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.

[@flwwie]

what font are you using onscreen? its very nice but i dont recognize it off the top of my head

[@rupeshrsingh3109]

great content i watched today

[@gabrielescorzato]

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❤

[@iamashmith]

liked the phone case , where did you get it pls tell

[@JanGruener]

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?

[@jeff0_o]

Personally, in the case of social networks, I have not uninstalled them, but I have defined a specific option to stop using them all 😅

[@nurhazimahmohdyusop8578]

thanks for this video. I really love your content and very looking forward to your new post

[@pixelleaves]

Thank you and happy you enjoyed it! :)

[@miiiaaaooowww]

I LOVE THIS ❤

[@SirDadelot]

Where did you get the black/blue wallpaper that you use in the thumbnail? I really like it :)

[@julianrodg]

Love wallpaper phone 😍

[@erikpinca]

I've been smart working for three months and being a minimalist is essential to organizing your work at home to be as efficient as possible. I personally use social media to keep up to date on things that interest me instead of interacting with people. After you stopped using social media did you feel like a feeling of addiction?

[@pixelleaves]

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “feeling of addiction”-do you mean like withdrawal? I think the biggest adjustment was the feeling/idea I was going to be missing out on important updates/information (in my social circle), or lose my connection with friends-but that faded with time as I realized I just got updates from/talked to people I was close to directly anyway, and the relationships which matter most to me are still going strong :)

[@erikpinca]

@@pixelleaves Yes exactly, it's good to know that despite the pandemic period you kept in touch with your friends. I would like to see videos on this topic, or even just a simple "my daily working life" would be interesting :)

[@pixelleaves]

Thanks for the idea! :)

[@unknownshadow6796]

link for the Link screen you ordered ???and can you highlight on that ???

[@VampireRhino]

on what device are you taking notes? is it kindle scribe?

[@solaymane-himite]

i think you should try a minimalist launcher it helps a lot

[@tangoalpha6013]

Hello, interesting video. How the apple watch help your productivity and not adding distractions?

[@koutis1399]

Anyone knows this Wallpaper from the Iphone Homescreen?

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Did you mention the name of that digital note pad/book tablet?

[@rileyolson6008]

Deleting socials really helped my mental health

[@GokuRunnerV0]

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.

[@shooob]

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?

[@pixelleaves]

I just convert to PDF and drop it in (I don’t convert to text), since I just use it as reference

[@Toebex]

What do you do for work

[@David_10157]

This was very helpful. Do you think the iPhone Mini works well for minimalism? Do you still use it?

[@pixelleaves]

I still use my iPhone 12 Mini, with basically the same setup!

[@potatobless]

hello, can you please tell me how you made such a calendar widget on the home screen?

[@gumball7777]

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?

[@pixelleaves]

It’s a widget from Widgy!

[@Boros777]

Which apps are the left and right one in the homescreen dock?

[@default_youtube_profile]

What keyboard make is that lying on your right side of your table?

[@okechukwuanudokem2060]

whats ur major alse love the minimalist and tech vids not a fan of e readers since i feel tablets can do what they can and more ! good content

[@brianmichaellim4490]

Love your content. I have been thinking about the A6x as well. How did you order it from the Philippines?

[@pixelleaves]

Just from the website! They ship via DHL so it was to my door. :) Supernote.com

[@kelseymolon]

How do you keep the apps in between the screen without having apps on top?

[@ryoukwjdbwopqmqpzl73819]

Genuis move to delete all social media apps. I did the same 3yrs ago

[@71anklebiter1]

So glad I found this, like the insights of the channel "leffie"

[@tomwoolsey1089]

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

[@pixelleaves]

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!

[@godakartik8110]

was a that a lamy safari/al-star?

[@rkhmelnytskyy]

it was funny seeing an Instagram icon right when you said that we can notice that there is no facebook, istagram, or twitter icon on the screen :)

[@pixelleaves]

As I mentioned in the video right after that, a lot of online sellers local to my country only sell and communicate on FB/Instagram and I keep accounts (under a pseudonym with no friends added) for that purpose. I prefer to support local vendors when I can :) just to clarify

[@furkane5512]

what's your phone case brand?

[@hanideal3394]

Another minimalist-motivating video - thank you Pixel Leaves. You referred to a book BTW, I didn't quite catch the reference. Would you recommend?

[@pixelleaves]

I reference Cal Newport who wrote “Digital Minimalism”-the link to the book on Amazon is in the description! :) Really great book which gives one a lot to think about. And thank you, too, for your comment!

[@hanideal3394]

@@pixelleaves Apparently my life is too cluttered to read a plain English text description :-). Thank you!

[@pixelleaves]

Haha after this comment I ended up adjusting the layout to make the links clearer, so I should say thanks to you for the (inadvertent) feedback on the description layout! :)

[@isabelsison560]

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!

[@pixelleaves]

It's a Supernote A6X :)

[@ecblanco]

I'm curious, what's that e-ink device? Is it a kindle? Thanks!

[@WarrenKirkpatrick]

I think it’s called “supernote” but it does cost more than an iPad, certainly not cheap but I have heard good reviews for it.

[@ecblanco]

@@WarrenKirkpatrick Thank you!

[@tantysaraswaty10]

What case for your iphone? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="133">2:13</a>

[@carlosalbertomujicaarizmen7589]

Excelent video, please link your home wallpaper!!!!! :(

[@iCanonKiD]

where's the lamp from?