Life-Changing Productivity Hacks

Start making the most of your time online with these productivity hacks

Avery Jones
10 min readDec 7, 2022
5 Productivity Hacks to Make the Most of Your Time Online

Distractions. Distractions Everywhere!

Between the rise of social media, online advertising, and an endless array of T.V. streaming services, the internet has become a wildly distracting place. And as much as we all love having endless entertainment options, too much of a good thing can often lead to burnout and also makes it challenging to actually get stuff done. The good news is there are plenty of task management tools you can leverage to boost productivity. In this blog, we’ll outline the best productivity hacks.

Research shows that taking short breaks paired with short bursts of work time is an effective way to improve cognitive performance. That means you have an excuse to build some self-care time into your schedule. And yes, you’re allowed to check your email and Twitter or watch TV during your breaks, though it’s preferable if you go for a walk, practice meditation, or do something that changes your scenery if possible. Even walking to the nearby coffee shop you love!

Anyways, we know finding the right productivity hacks and tools can be tricky, so we’ve hand-picked the best ones for business professionals, students, team members, and anyone else looking to get organized and take back control of their time. So without further ado, here are the best productivity hacks to help you make the most of your time online.

Which Tools Are Best for Increased Productivity?

In a world of endless distractions and an ever-growing to-do list, finding the right tools to enhance productivity is more crucial than ever. The best productivity tools we’ve found are OffScreen, Trello, Wave Browser, your very own iPhone, and Toggl.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, having the right set of tools can make all the difference in maximizing your efficiency and achieving your goals.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the realm of productivity and explore a curated list of the best tools available to help you streamline your tasks, optimize your time management, and boost your overall productivity. From task management apps to time trackers, and communication platforms to note-taking tools, get ready to discover the game-changing tools that will revolutionize the way you work and transform your productivity levels.

1) Use Automation to Set Social Media Limits With OffScreen

Use Automation to Set Social Media Limits With OffScreen

Most of us spend more time scrolling on our phones and falling victim to social media distractions than we’d like to admit. The truth is, as much as we’d like to think we’re in control of our phone activity, social media apps are designed to keep our brains hooked for as long as possible.

OffScreen provides an effective solution to this problem. The app automatically tracks how much time you spend on social media while noting which apps you use most and allowing you to set a time limit on usage.

What makes this such a powerful tool for productivity is that once you go over your daily limit, OffScreen will automatically block access to those apps. Just imagine the things you could achieve if you didn’t resort to mindless scrolling every time you felt bored.

2) Organize Your Workflow With Trello’s Smart Lists & Notifications

Organize Your Workflow With Trello’s Smart Lists & Notifications

Stop scribbling your daily to-do lists on scraps of paper that you’ll inevitably lose or forget.

Trello is a free, online organization tool that keeps track of all your tasks in one place. The platform has many different features, including boards, lists, cards, and checklists, all of which allow users to organize their projects in a way that best suits them. This is an excellent productivity tool for people that are highly visual and find it helpful to see their tasks laid out before them. An added benefit of using Trello is that you can collaborate with others on your team to get things done.

3) Use A Web Browser With MultiTasking Capability Built Into the Workspace

Use A Web Browser With MultiTasking Capability Built Into the Workspace

Wave Browser’s suite of built-in tools makes it easier to stay organized and get things done. The nice thing about this productivity hack is that it doesn’t require you to learn how to use a new app or set up any kind of parameters. You can keep browsing the internet like you always have and you’ll still reap the benefits.

Wave Browser lets you view two windows at once so you can multitask with the best of them. Wave’s reading list makes it easier to find important sites faster by allowing you to save recipes and articles for quick access later. We also love that the browser lets you take notes as you read and set customizable reminders. Try it out for yourself! It won’t take long to see that Wave Browser puts your productivity back in your hands.

4) Adjust This iPhone Setting to Minimize Instagram App Distractions

Adjust This iPhone Setting to Minimize Instagram App Distractions

This productivity hack helps you spend less time getting distracted by the bright, colorful images on your phone. The trick is to change your settings so that your iPhone screen colors are black and white, which your brain naturally finds less appealing to look at. Once you see how boring the world on your phone looks, you’ll be eager to get back to the colorful world of real life!

How to Change Your iPhone Color Scheme to Black & White:

  • Settings
  • Accessibility
  • Display and Text Size
  • Select “Color Filters
  • Make sure Color Filters are on
  • Select “Grayscale” option

Switch Between Color & Grayscale Easily

Switch iPhone Between Color & Grayscale Easily

Add a shortcut by navigating to:

  • Settings
  • Accessibility
  • Accessibility Shortcuts
  • Find where it says “Triple-click the side button to toggle accessibility features on or off
  • Check “Color Filters

That’s it! Now you can triple-click the side button to quickly switch between color and grayscale mode.

5) Toggl Track Time Management

Toggl Track Time Management

The first step to managing your time better is figuring out where it all goes. With Toggl Track, you can track your time right away, view your tracked time entries in a grid or calendar format, and worry about the details later.

Toggl Track lets you automatically start and stop tracking based on whether your browser is open or not. It also has excellent idle detection. That way, if you’re interrupted while working and get sucked into a 20-minute phone call, Toggl Track can knock out those 20 minutes from your record. Toggl Track even has a Pomodoro Technique setting, so that you can work for a set amount of time on a project that requires your focus and then take a short break, all with simple stopwatch-like reminders.

Productivity Hacks for A Better Lifestyle & Less Procrastination

Productivity Hacks for A Better Lifestyle & Less Procrastination

In our fast-paced world, being productive is essential to achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life. However, with numerous distractions and demands on our time, it can be challenging to stay focused and accomplish what truly matters. That’s where productivity hacks come in. In this blog post, we will explore ten life-changing productivity hacks that can help you maximize your efficiency, accomplish more, and unlock your true potential.

Prioritize and Plan Your Workday

Prioritize and Plan Your Workday

Start your day by identifying the most important tasks that align with your long-term goals. Create a to-do list, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and allocate time blocks for focused work. Planning your day in advance will provide structure and clarity, enabling you to tackle tasks with purpose and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Embrace the Power of Time Blocking

Embrace the Power of Time Blocking

Time blocking involves dividing your day into specific blocks of time dedicated to particular tasks or activities. By assigning specific time slots for focused work, meetings, breaks, and personal activities, you create a clear schedule that helps you manage your time efficiently and maintain productivity throughout the day.

Practice the Two-Minute Rule

Practice the Two-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, tackle it immediately. Responding to quick emails, organizing files, or making brief phone calls right away prevents small tasks from piling up and consuming unnecessary mental energy. This simple rule ensures that you maintain a clutter-free to-do list and free up more time for important tasks.

Harness the Power of Technology

Harness the Power of Technology

Embrace productivity tools and apps that can streamline your workflow and boost efficiency. Utilize project management tools, note-taking apps, calendar apps, and task managers to stay organized, collaborate effectively, and manage your time and priorities effortlessly. Leverage technology as your productivity ally to automate repetitive tasks and enhance your overall productivity.

Practice the Pomodoro Technique

Practice the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking your work into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by short breaks. This technique capitalizes on the principles of focused work and intermittent rest, allowing you to maintain concentration while avoiding burnout. Set a timer, work with intense focus for the designated period, and then reward yourself with a short break.

Minimize Distractions

Minimize Distractions

Identify and minimize distractions that hinder your productivity. Silence your phone or use apps that block social media notifications during work sessions. If possible, find a quiet and dedicated workspace that allows you to concentrate without interruptions. By creating a distraction-free environment, you can maintain your focus and accomplish tasks more efficiently.

Delegate and Outsource Tasks

Delegate and Outsource Tasks

Recognize that you can’t do everything on your own. Delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement or consider outsourcing certain activities. By delegating responsibilities, you free up time and mental bandwidth to focus on high-value tasks that align with your strengths and priorities. Delegation empowers you to be more efficient and productive in the long run.

Embrace the Power of No

Embrace the Power of No

Learn to say “no” to nonessential commitments and requests that do not align with your goals or priorities. Setting boundaries and being selective about the tasks and activities you take on allows you to dedicate your time and energy to what truly matters. Prioritize your own well-being and productivity by reserving your time for meaningful pursuits.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy body and mind are vital for productivity. Ensure you get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Prioritizing self-care and well-being enhances your focus, energy levels, and overall productivity. Remember, productivity is not just about accomplishing tasks — it’s about living a fulfilling and balanced life.Other Best Practices to Boost Productivity and Avoid Procrastination

Make Time for Self-Care and Meditation

In the pursuit of productivity, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care and the benefits of incorporating practices like meditation. However, making time for self-care and embracing meditation is not only compatible with productivity but can actually enhance it.

Taking breaks for self-care and meditation allows us to recharge our minds, reduce stress, and gain mental clarity. It helps us step back from the constant demands of work and cultivate a sense of balance and inner peace. By integrating self-care practices into our routine, such as mindfulness meditation, we improve our ability to focus, make better decisions, and enhance our overall well-being.

Engaging in self-care and meditation acts as a reset button for our minds, allowing us to return to our tasks with renewed energy, increased creativity, and improved productivity. Ultimately, by prioritizing self-care and incorporating meditation, we can create a sustainable and fulfilling approach to productivity that nurtures our mental and emotional health alongside achieving our goals.

The TLDR Version

  1. Focus on a single goal at a time and name specific tasks, so that you don’t overwhelm yourself.
  2. Establish a routine that you do first thing in the morning
  3. Have a dedicated workspace, so that your brain knows when you go there it’s time to be productive.
  4. Take regular breaks. Then, set a timer on your laptop for however many minutes of work you plan to do.
  5. If in a work environment, delegate unfinished tasks so that others can complete them for you.

Ready? Set. Go Be Productive!

There you have it, 5 productivity hacks you can start using right now to improve your online organization and time management. We hope these tools free your time and completely change your online experience. Give them a try and let us know what your favorite productivity hack is! We love sharing experiences.

--

--

Avery Jones

Writer for Wave Browser— a browser that makes productivity simpler. Check it out here: https://wavebrowser.co/