If you’re like many iPhone users, you understand the struggle of balancing work and distractions on your device. Luckily, there are several features and hacks you can utilize to enhance your productivity on your iPhone. We spoke with productivity experts and professionals who shared their favorite tips for staying focused:
1. Activate Do Not Disturb:
Time management coach Anna Dearmon Kornick swears by the Do Not Disturb feature. It not only blocks notifications but also extends to your laptop, ensuring uninterrupted focus. Plus, you can customize it to allow notifications from essential contacts or apps.
– To activate Do Not Disturb, navigate to Settings, then select Focus. From there, tap Do Not Disturb and adjust your preferences.
2. Enhance Contacts with Extra Fields:
Rashelle Isip, a productivity consultant, suggests maximizing the Contacts app by inputting additional details about your contacts. This includes birthdays, important dates, family members, and work-related information. It’s a one-time setup that provides valuable context for future interactions.
– To add more details to Contacts, open the Contacts app, select a contact, tap Edit, and fill in the desired fields.
3. Utilize Notes for Document Scanning:
Author Laura Vanderkam recommends using the Notes app to scan and email documents quickly. It streamlines tasks like sending signed forms or registrations, saving significant time.
– To scan documents in Notes, open the app, tap the camera icon, position the document, and capture the scan.
4. Set Up Reminders:
Career coach Harleny Vasquez relies on the Reminders app to stay organized and focused. Creating reminders ensures important tasks and deadlines are never overlooked, promoting productivity and preventing burnout.
– To set up reminders, open the Reminders app, tap New Reminder, fill in the details, and set due dates.
5. Activate Focus Mode:
Vasquez uses Focus mode to mute notifications and minimize distractions, preserving energy and time. Customizable settings allow users to tailor notifications based on specific activities or timeframes.
– To activate Focus mode, navigate to Settings, select Focus, and choose your desired mode.
6. Implement App Limits:
Productivity consultant Samphy Y suggests setting app limits to curb mindless scrolling and boost productivity. Restricting access to distracting apps encourages focused work and reduces procrastination.
– To set app limits, go to Settings, select Screen Time, and configure limits for specific app categories.
7. Disable Raise to Wake:
Turning off the Raise to Wake feature, as recommended by Y, minimizes distractions by preventing the automatic activation of your device’s lock screen when picked up.
– To disable Raise to Wake, navigate to Settings, select Display & Brightness, and toggle the setting off.
By incorporating these tips into your iPhone usage, you can optimize productivity and maintain focus throughout your day.