How to use smartphone as a productivity tool?
Mobile phones are a "always-on" technology with enormous control over our attention. The combination of push notifications, dopamine-inducing rewards, and endlessly updating feeds can make it nearly impossible to get anything done. According to an article, 91 per cent of all social media users access social channels through mobile devices, making social media a significant contributor to their increased screen time. Hence, the distraction they create is enormous. It takes about 23 minutes to completely refocus, after spending time on social media. So, that quick Instagram check or WhatsApp reply could be costing you a lot of money, and leaving an attention residue that affects your ability to focus on the next task.
However, smartphones are not all bad. They can be used to increase productivity and maximize your potential. Here are some tips to do so:
Delete pointless apps: These apps send you daily notifications or take up space on your home screen and hence may also be the ones that consume the most time, preventing you from progressing on your work goals. Remove these apps from your home screen and replace them with apps you want to use so you can see them more frequently and focus on your goals.
Switch off Notifications: They draw your attention, distract you, and cause you to open apps that you will never use.
Digital Wellbeing tools: These tools can assist you in focusing and assessing your smartphone usage. These include screen recorders, Unlock Clock, and so on. Nowadays, both iOS and Android phones have this as a built-in feature allowing you to see which app is taking up the majority of your time.
Be mindful of small breaks: When you have time, such as after lunch or while waiting for the lecture to begin, you can structure these breaks to do more productive things like reading a book, listening to a podcast, or updating your to-do list.
Aeroplane mode or DND Set your phone to aeroplane or DND mode to help you focus and do deep work without distractions. It is commonly stated that a person should get at least one hour of deep work every day, and accomplishing this would be beneficial if one went on to plug all distractions.
Use cloud-based services for notes: Services such as OneNote, Evernote, and Google Docs can be synced across devices, allowing you to continue working across multiple devices and acting as a productivity boost.
Schedule deadlines and meetings: Schedule your day using the calendar app to help you manage time efficiently and stay on top of everything.
Use Voice Assistant: When you're trying to set a reminder, call a contact, or search for something, let your voice assistants take over for a quicker experience and less eye strain.
These were some ways that we believe will help you achieve your goals. If there are any other techniques or tips you have, do share them in the comments below.
Happy Working!