Whether you own your own business or you work for someone else, chances are, you spend a lot of time on the computer. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. Working on the computer has the potential to make you much more productive, but it also has the potential to distract you, make you fall behind, and it can even decrease your quality of life.
Whether you work for yourself or someone else, you work in an office or at home, these tips will make working on the computer better all around.
Automate What You Can
What do you spend your time on the computer doing? You can get a lot done if you are working on unique tasks. If instead you spend all your time working on the same mind-numbing tasks that have to be completed over and over again, you could benefit from automation.
Automation software enables you to put common workflow tasks on autopilot. From invoice processing to vendor setup and shipping, there are many things you can automate that will free up your time so you can focus on more important tasks.
Streamline Your Communication With Others
You’ve got a lot of work to do, and yet, you spend a lot of your time communicating with others. It can’t always be helped. Sometimes you have to check in with a coworker or attend a meeting. However, if you feel like you’re endlessly checking your email or spending unnecessary amounts of time switching back and forth between communication platforms, it’s time to streamline your communication.
First, create an email schedule that works for you. Don’t leave your email up and check it whenever you get a new message. Close out of the program and check it two or three times a day.
If you use a lot of different messaging accounts, consider a messaging app that consolidates all of those platforms in one place. An app like Franz can help you save time by enabling you to access all of your messages at once.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you spend all day using your mouse? Even if you aren’t using a mouse, you may be relying on your touch screen a little too much. You could save a lot of time by learning keyboard shortcuts. It may only save you a second each time you do it, but those seconds can really add up at the end of the day!
Some keyboard shortcuts you should try include:
- Ctrl+Z : Undo
- Ctrl + C : Copy
- Ctrl + V : Paste
- Ctrl + X : Cut
- Alt + Tab : Switch Screen/Tabs
- Ctrl + N : Open a New Window
- Win + Prt Sc : Save Screenshot
Declutter and Decorate
What does your desk look like? If it’s covered in clutter, it’s time to get rid of some of that stuff. By decluttering your space, you can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, enabling you to focus more clearly on the task at hand.
It’s not all about getting rid of stuff! If you spend a lot of time at your desk, so it should be a place that inspires you and makes you feel comfortable. That means doing a little decorating.
Have a picture or two on your desk of your loved ones, hang up some artwork, or use a mug with a funny saying to hold your pens. When you take pride in how your workspace looks, you’ll enjoy spending more time at your desk.
Get Comfortable
Sitting at a computer all day is no joke. It sounds like it would be more comfortable and relaxing than standing on your feet all day, but sitting can be even harder on your body.
Take the time to make your workstation ergonomically correct. That means keeping your elbows bent at 90 degrees and making sure your head and neck are straight when viewing your monitor, but don’t be afraid to make a few tweaks.
Cross one leg while you’re working, put a pillow behind your back, or recline your seat for a while if it is comfortable. The key is listening to your body and making adjustments when you’re feeling tired or sore.
You can get a lot done when you work on the computer all day long, but your body and your mind can really pay for it later. Give these tips a try the next time you head to your desk and you may discover your workday goes a little quicker.
