Many people have their smartphones attached to their hips and use their phones, like the Google Pixel 6, as a way to keep up-to-date with social media. But you can use your smartphone for more than Instagram. Here are a few tips you can use to transform your smartphone into your new productivity tool.
1. Take Photos of Your Fridge Before Going to the Store
Sometimes you know exactly what you need when you go to the store. Other times, you might not know what you already have at home. This can cause you to spend unnecessary money on things you don’t need. Use your phone to take pictures of your fridge before you go. This way, you can easily refer to the picture to figure out if you already have an ingredient you need. Just be sure to use a microchip on your phone to store these pictures. There has been a microchip shortage in the industry over the past few years, so they can be a little tricky to find, but they’re important for keeping photos from taking up too much storage space on your phone.
2. Use Your Phone for Time Management
If you struggle with time management, your phone can be a great addition to improving your lifestyle. Energy usage doubles in the U.S. every 20 years, and electronics are part of the reason why. However, there are many apps out there that can help you plan your day and schedule the things that need to get done. They can be as complex or simple as you want them to be. For many people, the timer that comes with your phone will be sufficient. But if you have your phone set up to notify you when it’s time to move on to a different task, you won’t need to worry about losing track of time.
3. Sync With Your Computer
The main advantage that a phone has over a computer is that your phone is more mobile. You can take it just about anywhere. This allows you to get work done in places where you wouldn’t have had that option before smartphones existed. While this is perfect for an active lifestyle, you also want to be able to access your work once you’re actually at your computer and ready to focus on it. Using certain programs, your phone is able to sync with your computer. That way, you can simply start back up where you left off on your phone!
4. Turn Off Notifications
Your phone can also improve your productivity by making itself scarce. If you really need to focus on your work, it can be tempting to check your phone. You’ll plan to do it very quickly, then lose an hour scrolling social media. Use your phone’s Do Not Disturb setting in order to shut off all notifications. If nothing is happening on your phone, you’ll be less tempted to check it and lose valuable time.
While smartphones might have a reputation for wasting time, they can be valuable productivity tools. With the right planning and programs, you can make your phone an essential part of a productive lifestyle.
