Technology may seem cumbersome at times, but when used appropriately, it can make your life simpler. From organizing files to streamlining daily chores and routines at home, these tech hacks can make you a productivity pro! Apps such as Shopping List Manager can help reduce impulse purchases. Furthermore, most smartphones and tablets feature focus modes to limit notifications during set periods such as work, relaxation, or sleep.
1. Turn Off Notifications
Technology can be intimidating and confusing, from remembering passwords to trying to resize two windows on one screen. But don’t despair—there are plenty of hacks out there that can make tech easier and more productive for you! Here are a few strategies for making your device work in your favor rather than against you:
Notification settings provide you with the ability to control which alerts appear on your phone, when they occur, and which apps can send them. Some options can be global, while others are specific to specific apps.
2. Make a To-do List
A to-do list can be an effective way of staying organized and prioritizing tasks, yet it can become distracting if it includes too many irrelevant items or is disorganized. Paper lists can help reduce distractions and motivate action by restricting how many options are presented at once, while digital lists such as those found on apps or calendar-based planners allow for searchable and reorganizable lists, making life simpler overall.
Create an eye-catching to-do list using Canva’s online to-do list creator. Choose a professionally designed template from Canva and alter the colors and design elements to create a visually appealing list of tasks to complete.
3. Turn off Social Media
These practical hacks can dramatically transform how you use technology. From keyboard shortcuts that restore productivity to smart device routines that safeguard privacy, these practical solutions can transform how you experience technology. Adopting them now to experience a more efficient, secure, and satisfying digital experience!
Suppressing social media notifications can help you resist the temptation to check them frequently and focus on more productive work. Doing so also eliminates distracting beeps or vibrations, which may tempt you to immediately check apps again.
5. Avoid Phone Calls
Use call-blocking software or devices to stop unwanted calls, including scams and robocalls, from reaching you. They either silence shady calls and send them directly to voicemail or label them with terms such as “spam” or “scam likely.”
Some apps and services also record information such as who called you on your caller ID number and any numbers they advised you to call back, as well as details about calls made against you—these reports help the FTC identify and track illegal callers. Make the phone unnecessary altogether by using shopping apps or texting with friends and family, or simplifying entertainment options with Netflix playlists.
6. Curate Your Netflix List
Curated lists allow Netflix to engage viewers editorially, helping them stay focused and avoid distractions when watching groups of titles. Completionist viewers will appreciate having extra incentive to finish watching groups’ related content quickly; novelty-seekers will enjoy being guided towards titles that meet established preferences.
To play from a list, simply access Shortcuts > Netflix Lists and choose “View and Play From List.” Alternatively, you can share your lists with users who also have this shortcut installed using an online JSON viewer or similar tool.
7. Turn Off Distractions
Distractions can be an enormous productivity drain. Distractions divert your attention from your current task, resulting in a loss of concentration, procrastination, and a burdensome workload. Optimize your work or play experience with these innovative tech hacks designed to maximize the use of apps and devices, saving time, reducing frustration, and safeguarding digital well-being.
Use the text-to-speech feature on your phone or tablet to have texts and documents read aloud for you, providing an accessible feature to assist those with sight loss and hearing impairments. Plus, it’s an effective way of proofreading writing that can save both eyes (and batteries!) from strain!
8. Turn Off the TV
Removing the TV can be difficult, but it could also be an essential step towards better health. Eliminating TV completely is sometimes the best course of action because it can easily become a source of mindless entertainment. Such an action could mean hiding it away in a closet or taking batteries out of the remote; both techniques make turning on the TV less convenient, helping break your habit of turn-ons.
After dinner, take a walk or read something that excites you—life is too short to waste it in front of the TV!
9. Turn off Your Phone
An intentional life involves eliminating anything that doesn’t add any true value in order to focus on what does. That starts by identifying your 4-5 most desired activities for this year.
So, get rid of anything that doesn’t align with those priorities, including your phone. Limiting screen time is one of the easiest tech hacks to simplify your life, helping you remain focused on what matters. Furthermore, unplugging can aid sleep more easily.
