Streamline Design
Everyone has their own way that they prefer their devices to look and feel. Some people like to have dozens of apps. Others like to keep things minimal, with just a few select applications. Whatever it is, it’s recommended that you work to keep the design in line with what you’re looking for. Even if you do have plenty of apps, you may prefer to keep them all grouped in folders, away from the front screen. When you need one, you’ll know where to find it. You can also think about the screensavers and displays you like to have. Once you’ve done this, your device will begin to feel more like “you.”
Get The Tools You Need
If you have a computer that’s powerful enough, such as a Mac, then you’ll have the capacity to do whatever it is that you want to do. It’s often forgotten — especially by people that generally tend to just watch videos/scroll through Facebook — that your machine can do so much! But you’ll need the apps to do them. You can get as many or as little as you want. The main thing is that you have the apps that work for you, nobody else. Remember that you can still access older apps even if they don’t work with operating system updates. If that happens, follow these steps to create a bootable installer. It’ll allow you to install an older Mac operating system that works with the app in question.
Learn The Hacks
The most powerful devices are capable of so much. After all, some of the best and brightest minds on the planet have been working on them! But most people don’t know just what they can do. While you’ll likely be aware of the obvious things that your device can do, the more hidden features might be beyond you. If you’re going to get the most from your computer and smartphone, it’ll be worthwhile looking up the common hacks that people overlook. For example, did you know that you can schedule music to stop playing on your iPhone after a set period of time? It’s ideal for when you’re listening to soothing songs to drift off to sleep. And that’s just one example of dozens!
Keep The Costs Down
Tech is expensive. You can keep costs down by looking after your devices to ensure longevity. When you do need to buy a new device, look at getting a refurbished product.
Set Limits
You want to feel like technology is advancing your life, not holding it back. But if you’re letting your technology, especially your smartphone, control your life, then it’s likely that you feel a little out of control. It’s important to set some limits when it comes to your technology. Remember that app producers (the big ones, anyway) work to ensure that you become a little addicted to their apps. Try to set aside time each day when you just switch off your phone. You’ll feel better for it!
Treat It As A Tool
Finally, remember that while it can feel like it’s hard to categorise exactly what your devices bring to your life, you can always think of it as what it is — a tool. There’ll be elements of your device that serve your life well, other elements that frustrate you or waste your time. Rather than getting sucked into tech addiction, think of the aspects of your phone or computer that you like and what you don’t. This will help you wrestle back a little bit of control and ensure that the only reasons you use your device are positive reasons!
Conclusion
It’s easy to forget just how recent the rise of technology is. It was only 14 years ago that the first smartphone came out! And it’s true that we’re still kind of figuring out how to use it correctly. But with a little bit of mindfulness about our tech use, we can ensure that we have devices that work for us and not against us.
*collaborative post*