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Productivity is often associated with working hard every minute of your life, but for me, it’s about organising my life in a way that allows me to maximise moments of self-care, social time, and anything else that brings me happiness. In this blog post, I want to share three productivity tools that I use every day to improve my life. These tools not only save time but also help me be more intentional with how I spend my time. So let’s dive in, easiest first then working towards building up some new routines into your life.

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Tip 1: Unsubscribing from Pesky Emails:

Do you find your inbox cluttered with unwanted emails that waste your time and attention? Unsubscribing from these pesky emails can be a game-changer in reclaiming your inbox and keeping organised and clean as well as saving time and energy on emails that don’t need your attention like a “Sale at Country Road this weekend!”

To get started, set up a filter in your email client that automatically moves emails containing the word “Unsubscribe” to a separate folder, such as “Unsubscribe” or any name you prefer. By doing this, you create a streamlined inbox, free from unnecessary distractions. To do this from your gmail account:

• Go Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses > Create New Filter
• When entering in the details for your filter all you need to do is enter the word “Unsubscribe” under “Has the words”

• Then click ‘Create Filter’ (don’t click Search)
• Next tick the box “Skip the inbox (Archive it)”
• Click the box “Apply the label” > Choose New Label > Name it something like “My Unsubscribe Inbox”

• “Create filter”
• And you’re off!

Periodically go through “My Unsubscribe Inbox” folder and unsubscribe from all the unwanted emails then delete or archive.

If you’re looking for a quicker fix, you can try websites like leavemealone or other email unsubscribe services that can help you clear out your inbox in just one afternoon but come with a fee.

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Tip 2: Create a Dumping Ground also known as a Capture Tool:

Have you ever had a quick thought or task pop up while you’re already focused in on something else? Do you context switch often because you worry if I don’t do it now I’ll just forget it. The key to staying focused and avoiding distractions is to have a dedicated “dumping ground” for your thoughts and tasks. Human brains are for information processing, not remembering.

For example say you’re working through your emails and have a quick fire thought “oh I need to call mum today!” And in that moment, rather than continuing on with your emails, you react in the moment, task switch and call mum. The emails lay forgotten.

The dumping ground is anywhere you can handover your thoughts quickly and easily without feeling the need to organise or structure them anywhere neat. Creating a dumping ground can be as simple as using a note-taking app or a to-do list app.

Personally, I recommend Apple’s Reminders app. Set up a list called “Dumping Ground” or any name that resonates with you. Make it easily accessible by adding it as a widget on your iPhone’s home screen as shown here on the left.

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The beauty of the Reminders app is that you can make it your default reminders list for Siri (absolute game-changer). This allows you to quickly add by chatting to your phone or Apple Watch. I go through my list most day’s and check what tasks I need to complete, I might add these to my google calendar, action them in the moment when ready or leave them on the list for now.

Another option I’ve used for years is the Todoist app, which features an inbox specifically designed for dumping tasks. If you don’t like list apps and need something a little more raw I would simply set up a folder or note in your notes app called Dumping Ground, again set it as a widget or something easily accessible on your phone, whenever you have a thought or note, make sure it goes into that folder or note (shown in image above on right).

The key is to choose a method that is convenient, easily accessible on all of your devices, and has the freedom to be messy and imperfect.

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Tip 3: App Blocking and Screen Time Management for Social Media:

Do you find yourself spending hours mindlessly scrolling through social media? Regaining control of your time and attention is crucial for productivity and well-being. Implementing app blocking and screen time management can help you break free from the endless scrolling cycle. I started this just over a year ago and I have really benefited from less doom scrolling for hours. Now my time is spent more intentionally, let me explain.

Start by setting screen time limits for social media apps using the “App limits” feature on your iPhone. By setting these limits, you create boundaries that cannot be exceeded without entering a separate screen time password. Personally, I gave this password to my partner to hold myself accountable.

Additionally, utilise app blocking tools that allow you to restrict access to social media apps during specific periods. I found that the first and last thing I would be doing everyday was being on my phone. Reality was I really wanted the first and last thing I did everyday was something for myself rather than being on my phone talking or looking at what others were doing everyday.

I tried a few apps where I could schedule blocking time into my day. First I sampled Opal: Screen Time for Focus, I found this rather glitchy and sometimes didn’t block certain apps! I’ve also used One Sec for about a year which has additional restrictions I enjoy however the app blocking cannot be scheduled. Currently, I have been using AppBlock — Block Apps & Sites for a few months now and I consider it worth the price.

I block all social media sites on school nights from 10pm at night to 8:30 in the morning and this basically keeps me off my entire phone at the end of the night and the following morning.

By implementing these three productivity tools, I’ve transformed how I manage my time and prioritise what truly matters. Unsubscribing from emails, using a dumping ground, and managing app usage have significantly improved my productivity and happiness. I’m always eager to learn new ways to reclaim time. If you have any tips to share, please leave them in the comments below.

Let’s inspire and support each other on our journey to a more fulfilling and efficient life! If you could just try one thing from the list I have shared today I recommend integrating tip number 2 into your life, creating a capture tool for myself and learning that I don’t need to be so reactive has changed the way I live my life, as silly as that sounds.