Simple Life Abroad

  Introduction In today’s world of dual monitors, smart desks, and endless accessories, the idea of working with just one laptop might sound impossible. But as a minimalist living in Japan, I’ve discovered that simplicity at my desk has made me more productive—not less. Here’s how (and why) I keep my workspace as minimal as possible. 1. Why I Ditched the Extras At one point, I owned: A laptop stand External keyboard and mouse Two monitors A drawer full of cables and chargers It looked like a tech shop—and felt like one too. I spent more time adjusting my setup than actually working. So, I decided to downsize. 2. What My Desk Looks Like Now Here’s what I use today: One lightweight laptop One notebook and pen A lamp for soft lighting A cup of tea or water That’s it. No second screen. No Bluetooth gadgets. No distractions. My desk is now a calm zone , not a command center. 3. The Benefits of a Minimalist Workspace You might think “less gea...

  Introduction When people hear "minimalism," they often picture empty rooms and capsule wardrobes. But there's another kind of clutter— digital clutter —that fills our minds more than our homes. In this post, I’ll share how I simplified my digital life while living in Japan, and why it’s been just as freeing as donating a box of clothes. 1. Understanding Digital Clutter Digital clutter comes in many forms: Thousands of unread emails Dozens of social media apps Notifications that never stop Files and photos you forgot existed It may be invisible, but its effect is very real— mental fatigue, distraction, and stress. 2. Why I Chose to Declutter Digitally I realized I was spending too much time on my phone. Even though I lived simply, my mind felt busy . I’d check my email while eating, scroll social media before sleeping, and jump between apps every few minutes. I knew something had to change. 3. Steps I Took to Declutter Here’s how I simplifie...