Have you noticed that your productivity has dropped significantly after you started working from home during the pandemic? If that is the case, you need to look for ways to adjust because it is still too early to tell when we can expect to return to our usual lives.
Finding ways to be more productive is necessary. Otherwise, you will struggle to finish tasks on time, and failing to meet deadlines can lead to losing your job.
Having a reliable computer is one of the best ways to ensure that you finish your work on time. And Macbooks happen to a popular choice at the moment.
Investing in a new Mac or getting one from your work would help. At the same time, you would benefit even more by taking advantage of what a Macbook has to offer. Besides, creating a computer maintenance routine would help as well.
The ideas below will come in handy for Macbook owners who want to get the most out of their computers.
Make Free Storage
The lack of Macbook storage could cause performance issues and stop you from using the computer efficiently. If you are struggling to have enough drive space on your Mac, continue reading to find the solutions to this problem.
First, start with removing redundant apps. There must be some applications you have installed but have not used for a while.
Besides apps, manage temporary system junk. Caches, plugins, backups, and extensions take more drive space than one expects. Besides, the sheer number of files gives the system more data to process, and it puts a toll on the overall Mac performance.
Finally, you can also transfer some files to external hard drives and clouds. Your computer data management strategy does not have to be about permanently removing files.
Disable Notifications
Macbook notifications are similar to your smartphone notifications. You want to check social media or other profiles as soon as you hear a notification sound. Our brain is wired this way, and it does not help if you have addiction tendencies, particularly for something like Facebook or Instagram.
Working from home creates multiple distractions already. For instance, your family or neighbors making noise. Mac notifications that do not stop will not help you with the problem.
Go to the notification settings and disable notifications of irrelevant apps. Antivirus software and communication tools you use for work are good exception examples. However, desktop notifications from random video games or other apps unrelated to work should not be present when you want to focus on the job.
Use Available Applications
You should have a list of work tools ready to go. However, the official Apple app store has a plethora of neat applications that can help you with productivity.
Take time-tracking tools, for instance. If you struggle to go to bed at a reasonable hour or forget to take a proper lunch break, use an app that alerts you about when you need to do these things.
It is easy to lose track of time when you do not have supervisors or can work late because the deadline is for the end of the week.
Besides time-tracking tools, you could also use an app that allows you to create a to-do list and sends reminders, so you do not miss something important.
There should be multiple variations of such applications, both free and not. Spend some time researching the store, and you should find what you were looking for in no time.
Invest in Accessories
Macbook accessories are another great way to increase productivity. There should not be performance problems with the laptop at first, but you are likely to notice some issues after some time.
While replacing or adding new hardware is an option, you do not really need extra RAM or an external graphics processing unit to increase work productivity.
No, focus on other accessories. A cooling pad is a good example, particularly when you are stuck in a poorly ventilated room. An overheating computer is loud and makes it difficult to focus. However, a cooling pad offers a source of cool air that should help with overheating and loud internal fan noise. Fewer distractions mean that it is easier to focus when working.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts should not be news for someone who has been using a computer for a while. However, macOS is a bit different compared to Windows, so if you make a switch, prepare to spend some time learning new keyboard sequences.
You can find the list of Mac keyboard shortcuts on the official Apple support website. Read the list and figure out which shortcuts you want to memorize.
Shift + Command + 3 and Shift + Command + 4 allow you to capture screenshots. Option + Command + Delete removes files from the computer permanently. Command + Tab lets you switch applications. And these are just a few examples. The more keyboard shortcuts you learn, the more efficient you will be at your work.
Get Reliable Internet Connection
Remote workers rely on their internet. As a Macbook owner, you will likely rely on a wireless connection. Ideally, getting an ethernet cable is a better option. Doing so would let you avoid potential interferences from third-party peripherals like microwave ovens or wireless printers.
On the other hand, if you need to use a wireless internet connection, find the best place in your home as far as interference goes. Also, get in touch with your ISP and ask them whether they could provide some solutions to improve your internet.
