9 Life Hacks From 9 Months Ago

Back in April 2023, we published a treasure trove of life hacks that became instant favorites among our readers. Nine months later, these tips are still as relevant and practical as ever, making daily life a bit easier and more enjoyable. From productivity boosters to clever home solutions, here are some of the standout life hacks from our previous list that you might have missed or need a reminder about.

Smart Use of Technology

Voice Assistants as Productivity Aids

Voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant can do more than play your favorite songs. Here are some ways to make them work for you:

• Reminders and Alarms: Set reminders for tasks or appointments. For example, "Hey Google, remind me to call mom at 2 PM."

• Shopping Lists: Add items to your grocery list without stopping what you're doing.

• Home Automation: Control your smart home devices with voice commands to save time and energy.

<p class="pro-note">👨‍💻 Pro Tip: You can also ask your assistant to give you a summary of news or weather conditions without lifting a finger from whatever you're working on.</p>

Managing Notifications

Smartphones are tools for productivity, but excessive notifications can turn them into distractions. Here are some tips:

• Batch Notifications: Set your phone to deliver notifications in batches. This reduces interruption during your focus time.

• Prioritize with DND: Use the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode during work or sleep hours, allowing only calls from important contacts.

• Customize Alerts: Only have your favorite apps send notifications, and use different sounds for different types of alerts.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Use apps like Todoist or Microsoft To Do for task reminders, which integrate with smart assistants, providing an organized way to handle your to-do list.</p>

Personal Productivity Hacks

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Here’s how to incorporate it:

• Set a Timer: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four such intervals, take a longer break.

• Stay Focused: During work intervals, ensure you're not distracted by phones or unnecessary interruptions.

• Adjust: Adapt the time intervals to suit your workflow. Some might find 30/10 or 45/15 more effective.

<p class="pro-note">⏰ Pro Tip: Apps like Forest can help you stay committed to the Pomodoro Technique by creating virtual trees that grow only when you focus on your tasks.</p>

Email Management

Email can become a time vampire if not managed properly. Here are strategies to control the chaos:

• Unsubscribe: Reduce the influx of unwanted emails by unsubscribing from newsletters or promotional emails.

• Use Folders: Sort emails into folders for easy access. Labels in Gmail or categories in Outlook can be useful.

• Limit Checking: Instead of constantly checking email, set specific times for email management.

<p class="pro-note">📧 Pro Tip: Use email filters to automatically sort incoming mail, saving you time by organizing emails before you even open them.</p>

Home Life Hacks

Kitchen Shortcuts

Save time in the kitchen with these simple tips:

• Slicing Eggs: Use a wire rack to slice hard-boiled eggs for salad preparations.

• Herb Preservation: Freeze fresh herbs in oil or water in ice cube trays for later use.

• Parmesan Grater: Use a microplane to create fine gratings for a burst of flavor in dishes.

<p class="pro-note">🍳 Pro Tip: Make scrambled eggs fluffier by adding a little water or milk when beating the eggs.</p>

Storage Solutions

Keep your home tidy with these ideas:

• Under-the-Bed Storage: Utilize space under your bed for off-season clothes, shoes, or holiday decorations.

• Door Storage: Hang over-the-door organizers for small items like shoes, cleaning supplies, or accessories.

• Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Save closet space by compressing bulky items like winter wear or blankets.

<p class="pro-note">🏠 Pro Tip: Repurpose cereal boxes by folding them to make storage compartments for small items in drawers.</p>

Social Life Hacks

Networking Efficiently

Build your social network with these techniques:

• Attend Relevant Events: Choose events where people in your industry or with similar interests gather.

• Business Cards: Always have business cards on you and make sure to write a note on the back when meeting someone new.

• Follow Up: Send a quick email or LinkedIn message after meeting someone, referencing something specific from your conversation.

<p class="pro-note">👨‍🦰 Pro Tip: Use the 'Two-Hour' rule when attending a networking event. Stay for about two hours to make a meaningful connection without overstaying.</p>

Hosting a Virtual Event

With remote work becoming the norm, hosting virtual events has its perks:

• Platform Choice: Select a platform that suits your event size and functionality needs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).

• Agenda: Have a clear agenda to keep the event on track.

• Engagement: Use breakout rooms or polls to encourage interaction.

<p class="pro-note">🎥 Pro Tip: Record your event for those who could not attend, and share it afterward on your website or social media.</p>

Revisiting our Favorites

The One-Touch Rule

The one-touch rule is simple but effective for maintaining order:

• Immediate Action: When you pick up an item or come across a task, either deal with it immediately or decide its fate and act accordingly.

• No Piles: Avoid creating piles of things to do later. This minimizes clutter and saves time.

<p class="pro-note">📅 Pro Tip: Implement this rule with tasks like mail sorting. When you open the mail, decide if it needs immediate action, can be recycled, or filed away.</p>

Time Blocking

Time blocking involves planning your day into segments dedicated to specific tasks:

• Visualize Your Day: Create blocks of time for focused work, administrative tasks, meetings, and personal time.

• Prioritize: Schedule high-priority tasks during your peak productivity hours.

• Flexibility: Leave some buffer time for unexpected tasks or downtime.

<p class="pro-note">⏳ Pro Tip: Use a calendar app to visually see your day. Color-code different activities for an easy overview.</p>

In wrapping up, we’ve rediscovered that these life hacks from nine months ago still hold strong in making our lives simpler and more productive. Whether it’s leveraging technology to work smarter, optimizing personal productivity, finding clever home solutions, or enhancing our social interactions, these timeless strategies can help us live better, more organized lives. Explore more tutorials related to productivity and time management to take full advantage of these insights.

<p class="pro-note">📍 Pro Tip: Remember that the effectiveness of life hacks depends on consistency. Incorporate one or two at a time, see how they fit into your life, and make adjustments as needed.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are voice assistants secure for managing personal information?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Modern voice assistants are designed with privacy in mind. They can be set up to not listen continuously, and you can control which data is stored and for how long. Ensure you use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for linked accounts.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I apply the Pomodoro Technique to non-work activities?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, the Pomodoro Technique is versatile enough for study sessions, household chores, or even relaxation time. It's about managing attention and reducing procrastination in any task.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should I do if I have too many emails to manage?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Start by unsubscribing from newsletters and promotions you don’t read. Set up filters or rules to automatically sort emails. Limit the time you spend on email and focus on the most urgent messages.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I make networking more efficient?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Prepare for networking events by having a clear goal in mind, like making connections within your field. Use platforms like LinkedIn to follow up and keep the connection alive post-event.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are some pitfalls of time blocking?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The main pitfalls include not allowing for flexibility when unexpected tasks arise, trying to overbook your time, and not accounting for the energy levels throughout the day. Adapt and evolve your time blocks to find what works best for you.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>