The internet is one of those things we can't live without nowadays, but it can also be a source of frustration and even depression unless we manage and curate what and how we consume information on here. It's easy to be bombarded with everything coming at us online, and even easier to get sucked into a time warp that doesn't always leave us feeling better.

The good news however is that you don't have to be a victim to a tool that's meant to make your life easier, not harder. Implementing one or all the tips below should improve your online experience.

For the Experience

Installing an ad blocker is definitely a must. Advertising online is legit next level, dare I say spammy, and even with the ad blocker, you're going to be hit with a fair amount. Without it, however?? Forget it! You'll barely be able to consume the actual content you intended because there's an ad at every scroll.

For the Productivity

The internet, and social media in particular, is a time sucker. You look up and it's been 3 hours. So to increase your chances of productivity, add timers that won't let you go on the site once you've reached your time limit. On your iPhone you can add these settings under "screen time", and if you're on a desktop or iMac, there are website and app blockers you can add with the settings necessary for you to be productive. Some are free and some aren't. Check out this article for more details on blockers.

For Mental Health

Unfollow and unsubscribe. Some people will say, log off completely. But that may not be realistic for some. So the next best thing we advise is for you to periodically audit who you follow on social media and who's newsletters you're subscribed to. You need to "Marie Kondo" your social media feed and your email subscriptions. And by "Marie Kondo" we mean her trademarked KonMari Method™. If it doesn't spark any joy, get rid of it! No, like seriously. Just don't do it to yourself. And this includes news outlets. You don't need ALL the news. Catch the summaries, read the headlines, and keep it moving.

Don’t let these internet streets stress you out. Reclaim not just your time, but your sanity too by implementing these tips, and may surfing the web now bring you joy instead. ♥

'Til tomorrow,

Grace & Peace!