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Take Back Your Time: Smart Hacks for Phone & Desktop Productivity
Become more productive by adjusting the way you engage with your phone and computers.
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Feeling overwhelmed by screens? You're not alone. Constant notifications and endless scrolling hijack our time and attention. But take heart! This guide unveils easy ways to reclaim control of your devices and boost your productivity.
Phone Power-Ups
Your smartphone can be your greatest asset. It can also be your quickest downfall. In this section, we’ll cover some must-have modifications to make your phone a powerful tool for productivity that will enhance your life in the real world.
Present app
Break the social media trance! This app incentivizes you with points and real money to stay off of your phone. Nothing will snap you back into reality like an “approaching 6 hours of screen time” alert.
One Sec Shortcut
Resist the instant-click habit. This shortcut forces a 10-second delay before opening distracting apps, giving you time to think twice before scrolling.
Nuj Alarm Clock
This alarm charges a charity fee if you don't get out of bed, motivating you to start your day right.
Dumb Down Your Phone
Making your smartphone a “dumb phone” is the quickest way to reclaim innumerable lost hours of time. Start here.
Grayscale display
Your phone is extremely stimulating when in color. One simple yet effective way to combat this sensory overload is to embrace grayscale mode on your smartphone. By stripping away the distractions of color, you can gain a clearer perspective on your digital habits and reclaim control over your attention.
How to Enable Grayscale Mode
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters.
- Toggle the “Color Filters” switch on.
- Select “Grayscale” from the list of filters.
On Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Accessibility” or “Accessibility Settings.”
- Select “Display” or “Vision.”
- Tap “Color correction” or “Color inversion.”
- Enable the “Grayscale” or “Monochrome” option.
Eliminate Useless Apps
Be brutal! It wouldn’t be a dumb phone if it had all the smart apps on it. Taking time to delete addictive apps from your phone is a great way to ensure your phone is strictly business. They can always be re-downloaded. (Hint: apps can also be deleted from your home screen, but kept in your library!)
Home screen optimization
Ah, the home screen. Everyone’s is different, but the rows and folders of apps reel us in all the same. Making sure to organize apps is quite useful. Here’s an example of mine.
You can see that I have very few apps to look at. This way, I don’t get tempted by app badges from Instagram, iMessage, TikTok and more.
Screen time limits.
Setting limits in screen time usage is the best way to structure your smartphone experience. Go into your settings, press screen time, and explore downtime, app limits, communication limits and more. Customize your experience to your liking. For example: I have very strict enforcements on my screen time when it comes to messaging and social media, but no limits with music, podcasts and AI tools.
Computer Command Center
Using your laptop or computer can often feel overwhelming with the amount of calendars, emails and websites to keep track of. The below tools will put you back in the driver’s seat.
- Obsidian: a universal note-taking and writing app serving as a go-to for keeping thoughts and work organized.
- TickTick: a tool great for task/project management, monitoring habits, and employing the pomodoro method
- Clickup: an all-in-one productivity platform that works as an ideal place for teams to come together, brainstorm, plan, and collaborate on everything from process docs to product designs
- Notion : a highly popular note-taking and organizing app.
- Qbserve: a privacy-friendly app for Mac users tracks your screen time, and offers tips for reducing needless scrolling and ineffective working.
Beyond the Screen
Remember, productivity isn't just about digital tools. Prioritize your physical and mental health. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and do what works best for you. Above all, you should always do what you believe is best.
Bonus Tip: Cold Shower Power-Up! Feeling stuck? Jump in the shower and finish with 30 seconds of cold water. This releases a burst of dopamine, giving you a natural energy boost to tackle your work. Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751106
Jared "Red" Young
Jared Young, affectionately known as Red, is a prolific journalist and community leader hailing from New York City. Red has carved a niche in advocacy, championing social justice and promoting a lifestyle anchored in robust well-being. His literary prowess finds expression in the form of "Down to Earth," a newsletter thoughtfully exploring the realms of happiness and independence. Red’s work intricately weaves the tapestry of a blissful and fulfilling life with an essence of simplicity. A passionate advocate for responsible tech literacy, Red is committed to sharing insights and practices that contribute to his personal happiness. Grounded in a fervent dedication to learning and community building, he strives to uplift those in need and make a positive impact through his endeavors.
