“Psst…Is your tech stack costing you money, causing hits to your health, and leading to lost focus?”

If you’re an AI app hoarder, you’re likely fighting a war on three fronts:

• Your body: Neck cramps, fried eyes, and a spine shaped like a question mark.

• Your brain: Decision fatigue and corroded clarity from the 27 AI apps you use that all promise to “revolutionize” your business.

• Your bank account: Subscriptions that are bleeding you dry for app features that don’t quite provide what you’re looking for.

Digital minimalism isn’t about ditching tech. 

On the contrary, it’s about using just enough to work efficiently and actually enjoy the business you’ve built while not compromising your health.

In this week's letter, we’ll cover:

1. Easy fixes for screen-induced aches and pains (no chiropractor needed).

2. Why scribbling in a notebook beats 100 AI tools for clarity.

3. The exact 8 tools you’ll need to run a lean, mean, profit-making machine.

By the end of this letter, you’ll have a battle plan to:

• Reduce eye strain and spare yourself from becoming the hunchback of Notre Dame.

• Think clearer by writing offline (and not by subscribing to another AI app).

• Slash your tech stack (and monthly bills) without losing an ounce of productivity.

Let’s get to it!

HEALTH – Screen Hygiene: How to Prevent Eye Strain & The Laptop Hunch

If you’re reading this hunched over your laptop, blinking through the blur, and rubbing your neck for the 13th time today, it might be time to make some changes. 

You don’t have to accept being a screen zombie as your new normal. 

Here’s how you can practice proper screen hygiene starting today.

Step 1: Break, Blink, and Beat the Burn

First off, your eyes are not meant for marathon screen sessions. If you’re getting headaches or that burning, gritty feeling, it’s time to implement the quickest and easiest fix you’ve probably never heard of.

Introducing…the 20-20-20 Rule. 

Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a mini vacation and can work wonders for reducing visual fatigue.

Next, to make your laptop screen more deep work and focus-friendly, try the following:

Finally, remember to blink! 

I know it sounds silly, but studies show people blink half as often when working at their computers versus when they’re engaged in other activities. 

Blinking keeps your eyes moist which prevents eye irritation. If your eyes still feel dry after blinking, use artificial tears as often as you need them.

If screen glare is the problem, move your screen so a window is to your side, not in front or behind you. And consider a matte screen protector if you’re extra sensitive to reflections.

Step 2: Un-shrimp Your Spine

Now, about that posture. 

If you’re curled over your laptop like a wilted plant, let’s fix that.

Raise your laptop so the top of the screen is at eye level. Put a book beneath it or invest in a simple laptop stand. Your neck will instantly feel better. 

Pair this with an external keyboard and mouse so your arms can relax at your sides instead of hovering awkwardly like a T-Rex.

Sit with your hips all the way back in your chair and keep your feet flat on the floor. If your chair feels like a medieval torture device, steal a cushion from the couch for support or purchase a lumbar support cushion.

Bonus: Take a break every 30 minutes and do the following:

1. Set a reminder on your phone every 30 minutes to check your posture.

2. When it goes off, straighten up, roll your shoulders back, and take a few deep breaths.

3. Stand up and do 4 neck rolls (2 clockwise and 2 counterclockwise).

4. While standing, do 5 shoulder blade squeezes.

Step 3: Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle

The key is consistency and realizing less is more. 

Don’t invest in another AI “productivity” app. Instead, incorporate breaks in your screen time by simply using the timer on your phone. 

Mute unnecessary laptop notifications so you’re not glued to your screen when you should be taking a break.

And don’t forget to move! Get up every 30 minutes, grab some water, do a quick stretch, or walk around the room.

Finally, give your eyes a break at night. End your screen time at least an hour before bed. Then, pick up a book, meditate, or just let your mind wander.

You deserve to feel good while you work. Start with one change today. Maybe the 20-20-20 Rule or raising your laptop. Build from there. Your body (and brain) will thank you.

PSYCHOLOGY – The Pen is Mightier Than the App

If you’re like me, you’ve been swamped with “advice” from everybody and their momma on why you should try this or that new AI tool. 

AI agents, writing assistants, idea generators, you name it. 

With everyone shoving the latest and greatest tools down your throat 24/7, your brain probably feels like a browser with 32 tabs open. 

Don’t get me wrong, I think AI tools are great, so I’m not someone who’s AI-resistant. I’m just tired of AI “solutions” that seem to create more problems particularly when it comes to maintaining mental clarity. 

So, guess what? It’s time to grab a notebook and rediscover the OG clarity tool: journaling.

Why Your Brain Loves Paper (And Will Hate Another App)

Your brain works differently when you write by hand. Unlike typing or tapping on a screen, journaling forces you to slow down and really think about what you’re trying to say. 

It’s like giving your mind a chance to catch up with your thoughts. Studies show that writing by hand improves memory and sparks creativity in ways digital tools just can’t match.

Plus, when you journal, you’re less likely to get distracted. No pop-ups, no notifications begging for attention, just you and your thoughts. 

And here’s a secret: journaling acts like a filter for your brain’s noise. It helps you separate the real ideas from the anxious chatter that often shows up through your subconscious. 

Think of it as mental decluttering. It’s a way to spot patterns in your thinking, make better decisions, and solve problems that cause you to feel stuck in your life or business.

In essence, your journal becomes a mirror, reflecting what’s really going on inside your head without judgment.

If you’re wondering how to start without feeling overwhelmed, here’s a simple framework I swear by.

Journaling for Grown-Ups (Not Teen Diaries)

Forget about the common advice of “write 3 pages daily.” Here’s a simple, yet sticky habit for productive, solution-based journaling that you can complete in just 15 minutes.

The “Clarity First” Journaling Framework

Step 1: The 5-Minute Brain Dump

• Write without stopping for 5 minutes. No rules, no editing. 

• Example: “Ugh, I’m overwhelmed by all these AI tools… Do I even need an AI agent? Why am I struggling to create engaging content?”

Step 2: The One Question Focus
Pick one of these questions to explore (rotate when necessary):

• What’s the one thing I need to do today to move my business forward?

• What’s not working right now and what’s one tiny fix?

• What AI tool do I actually miss when I don’t use it?

Step 3: Action + Review

• Circle 1-2 actionable insights from your writing.

• Every Friday, reread your entries and ask: “What’s the theme here?”

Pro tip: Keep a “Tech Check” list in your journal. Every time you’re tempted to try a new app, write:

• What problem am I trying to solve?

• Will this tool actually fix it, or just distract me?

• Example: If you discover that writing emails is your biggest time-suck, you can pick the best AI email assistant instead of testing a dozen different writing apps.

Your Start to Journaling

1. Grab a notebook tonight and try the 5-minute brain dump technique. 

2. Tomorrow, use what you wrote to ditch one app or tool that isn’t serving you.

Remember, clarity doesn’t come from chasing every shiny new thing. It’s found in the quiet space between your pen and paper.

So, let journaling be the “pause button” you need before hitting “play” on the next big thing.

BUSINESS – The Less Tech, More Profit Stack for Coaches & Consultants

Picking your tech stack can often feel like grocery shopping while hangry.

Everything looks essential until you get home and realize you bought 12 jars of pickles!

Let’s fix that right now.

The Digital Minimalist’s Tech Stack

I’ve curated 8 tools that cover everything coaches and consultants need without the bloat. 

No more app-hopping or paying for features you’ll never use. Just the essentials you’ll need to optimize for efficiency and growth. 

In fact, you may not need all 8 of these tools, but you certainly won’t need more than that (unless you just like being a tool junkie).

Ideally, these tools are meant to be used in the order they’re listed to highlight an easy-to-follow path from idea to offer. 

Let’s dive in! 

1. Exploding Topics

• Why minimalists love it: Cuts through noise by showing you only trending niches (no endless Reddit rabbit holes).

• Unique Value: 1.1M+ trends tracked, so you invest time in markets that actually matter.

• Use Case Example: Spot rising demand in “mindful productivity” to create a targeted coaching program.

• Cost: Free tools and a 7-Day Free trial for paid plans; Plans start at $39/month.

• Reviews: For reviews on Exploding Topics, click here.

2. Vocable AI

• Why minimalists love it: Generates copy (e.g. social posts and long-form written content) in seconds, replacing tools like WriteSonic, Jasper.ai, and Copy.ai.

• Unique Value: The content briefing feature helps you refine and clarify your messaging.

• Use Case Example: Turn a blog post into 10 LinkedIn carousels in 5 minutes.

• Cost: The Pro plan is $45/month.

• Reviews: For a video overview of the features and benefits of Vocable, click here.

3. Perplexity.ai

• Why minimalists love it: AI research assistant that answers complex questions with sources, saving hours of reading.

• Unique Value: Generates SEO-friendly blog outlines and image prompts in one place.

• Use Case Example: Write a “Digital Detox” lead magnet using its curated insights.

• Cost: 3 free deep research/Pro queries per day; Pro plan is $20/month.

4. Ideogram and NightCafe

• Why minimalists love them: Create pro visuals with text (logos, infographics) without hiring a designer.

• Unique Value: Ideogram nails text-in-images; NightCafe offers 2K resolution for course thumbnails.

• Use Case Example: Design a productivity workbook cover in your brand colors.

• Cost: Ideogram $8+/month; NightCafe offers 5 free welcome credits then $5.99+/month.

• Reviews: For Ideogram reviews, click here. For NightCafe reviews, click here.

5. Canva

• Why minimalists love it: All-in-one design hub with AI tools to resize and translate content instantly.

• Unique Value: 650,000+ templates for social media, lead magnets, pitch decks, etc.

• Use Case Example: Batch-create 30 Instagram posts for a coaching challenge in one sitting.

• Cost: Free; Pro plan is $120/year.

6. Beehiiv

• Why minimalists love it: Publish, monetize, and grow your newsletter without coding or third-party plugins.

• Unique Value: Built-in SEO tools and 120+ payment gateway integrations.

• Use Case Example: Launch a paid “Digital Minimalism Masterclass” series.

• Cost: Free up to 2,500 subscribers; plans start at $49/month.

• Reviews: For an honest opinion from a Beehiiv user, click here.

7. ClickUp

• Why minimalists love it: Manages tasks, client onboarding, and project timelines in one dashboard.

• Unique Value: Automates reminders for client check-ins and content deadlines.

• Use Case Example: Track a 12-week “Business Detox” coaching program from start to finish.

• Cost: Has a “free forever” plan; paid plans start at $10/user/month.

8. Simplero

• Why minimalists love it: Create websites, courses, lead magnets, landing pages, and email campaigns. Host a community space. Access your CRM. Do all of this from one platform.

• Unique value: A one-stop shop for coaches and course creators; Zapier-like automations without paying for…well, Zapier.

• Use Case Example: Host a “Minimalist Marketing” course with built-in affiliate tracking.

• Cost: Plans start at $59/month.

• Reviews: For reviews on Simplero, click here.

Your Next Move

Now ditch the 32-tab browser and endless app subscriptions. 

This tech stack cuts costs, saves 10+ hours/week, and lets you focus on what matters: serving clients and growing your business (while preserving your health and sanity). 

Pick whichever tools you need to get started, then scale as you go. 

Remember: Digital minimalism isn’t about doing less, it’s about achieving more with less friction.

Now go build something great!

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Stay Masterful,
Caroline