The evolution of technology brings with it the inevitable reality of spending a lot more time online than ever before. From scrolling through social media feeds to watching content on streaming services, doing our shopping online and attending virtual meetings, it is undeniable that the internet has changed the way we live, work and interact forever. While there have been many benefits to this, with the abundance of online activities to keep us busy, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of wasting time online.
We’ve all been there, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or getting lost down a rabbit hole of TikToks and Reels. But what if we could use that time online more productively? To help you stay focused online, we’ll share five tips for making the most of your screen time. So, let’s dive in and discover how to be productive in the digital world.
Why being productive with your time online is important
We all know that the internet can be a huge time waster. You start off doing research for that big project and next thing you know an hour has gone by and all you’ve achieved is getting up to speed on the latest celebrity drama and watching cat videos. It doesn’t have to be that way! The internet can be a great tool for productivity if you use it the right way.
Tip 1: Create a schedule and stick to it
One of the best ways to be more productive when spending time online is to create a schedule. By setting aside specific times for tasks, you can make sure that you’re using your time in the most efficient way possible.
If you’re not sure how to create a schedule, start by writing down a list of all the things you need to do online. Then, break these tasks down into smaller chunks and allocate a specific amount of time for each one.
When you give yourself open-ended time to work on something, it’s too easy to get distracted. Instead, if you find your mind wandering, schedule in regular short breaks to refocus.
Tip 2: Take breaks
If you find yourself glued to your screens all day long, it’s important to take breaks. Sitting in front of a computer or staring at your phone can lead to eye strain and headaches, which are not exactly conducive to being productive. Taking regular breaks will help you feel refreshed and keep you focused on the tasks you need to complete.
You should try to use your breaks to do something that will not only help you feel refreshed but that will boost your overall levels of happiness too. In fact, an activity that recent studies have proven can increase your happiness levels significantly is playing casino games or the so-called “gambling”. The study followed nursing home residents who played the most popular casino games in a span of a few weeks, without wagering any real money. The games were so engaging that the elderly reported a marked increase in happiness, quality of life and even life span! Of course, the fact they didn’t lose any money contributed to the satisfaction increase.
Keep in mind that, gambling is potentially addictive if not enjoyed responsibly, so remember to watch out for the signs of addiction and to ask for help if you think you may have a problem. Regardless of how you choose to spend your free time, ensure you limit your breaks to 15 to 20 minutes and then get back to being productive once your break is up.
Tip 3: Prioritize connection
Gone are the days where you must attend conferences and networking events to grow your contacts list. Nowadays, you can connect with industry professionals through online communities such as LinkedIn. You can share your ideas and collaborate with like-minded professionals or attend virtual events and webinars.
Tip 4: Learn something new
The internet offers a vast wealth of knowledge, with countless resources available that make learning on-demand more accessible than ever. From online courses to e-books, webinars and educational YouTube channels, the opportunities to upskill are endless. Learning new skills can not only improve your productivity but also enhance your personal and professional development. Take advantage of the numerous free resources available online and use them to expand your knowledge and skills.
Tip 5: Utilize online tools and apps that help you stay focused
There are several online tools and apps that can help you stay focused while spending your time online. One such tool is the Freedom app, which allows you to block certain websites and apps that tend to distract you.
Additionally, there are several productivity-tracking apps that can help you stay organized and keep on track with all your tasks. Be Focused, Dewo and Any.do are all popular apps in this category.
Conclusion
Controlling how you spend your time online is essential if you want to increase your productivity and make the most of the online resources available to you. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach but by following the five tips outlined above, you should be able to come up with an effective plan to optimize your time online.
