Locations:
Search IconSearch
January 24, 2024/Daily Health Stories

Clearing Out Digital Clutter

If your phone is filled with apps, photos, texts and emails, it may be time to do some digital decluttering. A psychologist explains the benefits.

Media Contact

Cleveland Clinic News Service | 216.444.0141

We’re available to shoot custom interviews & b-roll for media outlets upon request.

Media Downloads

CCNS health and medical content is consumer-friendly, professional broadcast quality (available in HD), and available to media outlets each day.

Content is property of Cleveland Clinic and for news media use only.

Capture

CLEVELAND – If your phone is filled with apps, photos, texts and emails, it might be time to do some digital decluttering.

Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist with Cleveland Clinic explains the benefits.

“Studies show that digital clutter is just as toxic to your mental health as physical clutter. It triggers high levels of stress and anxiety,” Dr. Albers said.

She said our brains tend to favor order over chaos, so when you’re bombarded by clutter, it can make you feel overwhelmed.

It can also make it harder to focus and be productive.

Dr. Albers suggests doing a “digital audit” of your devices and deleting stuff you don’t need – like old emails or text messages.

You could also create folders and rename files so they’re easier to find.

And be sure to do this on a regular basis. That way you’ll start to develop the habit of staying organized.

Plus, it’ll make you feel better too.

“Clearing out your digital clutter can make you feel more in control and empowered. It helps to give you clarity and organization that you need to get things done,” said Dr. Albers.

Not to mention, you’ll free up more storage along the way too.

Latest Daily Health Stories

Doctor talking with patient

How New Cholesterol Guidelines Could Impact You

Person cleaning

How Spring Cleaning Can Lift Your Mood

Mom holding child

Tips for Managing 'Mom Rage'

Person walking

Take a Stroll: Benefits of Walking after Eating

Lucky charm

How a Lucky Charm Can Boost Your Mindset

Person stretching

Why You Should Add Stretching to Your Exercise Routine

March Madness

Beyond the Bracket: How March Madness Impacts Mental Health

Person grocery shopping

Improving Gut Health for Colorectal Cancer Prevention