Tag: Productivity Page 1 of 2

A new year has just begun and resolution making is in full force all around the world. We live in an age where we have access to the best ever resources to aid our productivity, and yet it doesn’t seem to have impacted our resourcefulness much. But you could change all of that this year. Approach the problem of wastage of time with a clear plan and make your smartphone your ally in jumpstarting your productivity by downloading the right apps.

There is, however, a slight problem of redundancy with apps. We download many and use just a few. The rest keep lying there, taking up valuable space. Since productivity is all about making the most of what you have, you need to start by deleting every ‘productivity’ app that you haven’t used in a couple of months.

Too many options = confusion. Hence with this post we are bringing to you the best apps in the productivity department. These are all rather simple to use, which is how it should be, and don’t overlap with each other (if you discount apps listed for different operating systems).

We are also only discussing free apps here as I find the idea of paying for apps, quite frankly, ridiculous. And luckily we don’t have to since the free app space is huge, very very useful, and has almost everything covered.

So let’s get to it!

Tasks

For: Android

We went through a number of calendar and to-do list apps but finally settled on this one because of one major feature – it’s integrated with Google tasks!

There are many apps out there that will give you lovely interfaces and great features to make task creating fun and useful. But if you use a Gmail account, you are better off using an app that draws from that account of yours for seamless task setting. Eliminate having to open multiple windows – one for the calendar, one for your email, and another for your notes. Tasks will do all of it for you in one place.

It’s easy to use and has a clean and simple interface. It syncs with multiple Google accounts so that you can easily access any email to retrieve information needed for setting a task. A major time saver.

Google Keep & One Note

For: Android, Windows 8

productivity-apps

Two of the best note-taking apps out there. Type out the note, speak it, or take pictures and annotate them. One Note comes pre-installed on Windows phones but Android users can also access it by downloading it for free. I’m of the mind it’s best to use only one note-taking app and store all of your notes there, in one place. Otherwise things get too scattered and one faces the same problem as they do in real life – of leaving bits and pieces of information here and there.

Google Keep as well as One Note are very simple to use and both have cloud backup so that you can access your notes from anywhere. One Note comes with loads of features, but it could get a bit too much for some. Depends on your preference. Try them out and choose whichever you find more at home with. iPhone and iPad users can’t go wrong with Evernote – still the best note-taking app in the iOS ecosystem.

Asana

For: iOS, Android

Asana is a lovely little app that packs a lot of punch. Its versatility means you can use it the way you want to, whether for personal or professional reasons. It can be your personal note-taker or an excellent project management app for work that effortlessly switches between managing tasks and sub-tasks. Now your entire team can get on this and share their tasks, reminders, updates, and notes via this app. It integrates with your email, syncs in real time, backs up to the cloud, and can be shared with 15 teammates at a go.

Google Drive

For: Android

Having lost loads of data over the past few years, sometimes because the USB stick got corrupt or because the hard disk itself malfunctioned (tragic, I know), I have been very enthusiastic about the concept of cloud storage. Except that I had started using it even before that’s the name it got given. How?

Simple. Stored all my important documents (mine are usually in the form of Word files, PDFs, or spreadsheets) as drafts in my Gmail.

I have more than 300 saved drafts and all of that is accessible from anywhere. As good a cloud storage solution as you could get ‘back then’! But sorting through the drafts was a pain, which is why Google Drive has come as a much welcome accessory to Gmail. I’ve now moved all my drafts and sundry notes to Google Drive, where they are easily accessible from anywhere.

While I also have a Dropbox account, I prefer Google Drive to it simply because it’s synced with my Gmail — and almost everybody has a Gmail account! However, if you own an iOS device, Drop Box is your best cloud storage app.

Get S**t Done!

For: Android

Yep, there’s actually an app called that. And you know what, it works like a charm! A no-nonsense, tough talking app that kicks you where it would hurt the most (figuratively speaking) so that you can finally stop checking baseball scores and get back to work.

Well, essentially it’s a reminder app but without all the fuss of a typical reminder app. You time your tasks and set consequences and rewards for them. Timing your tasks helps your focus from wavering and actually gets more done hour by hour. Give this fun app a try and find out for yourself if you can finally stop wasting time!

Image credits:
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9 Best Standing Desks: Increase Productivity & Reduce Back Pain!

On January 20, 2017

In Motivation

Most of us are accustomed to working eight hours a day while seated at a desk, but did you know that this is a highly unhealthy way to work? This is why I’m reviewing the best standing desks-to give you a healthy alternative to simply sitting at a desk all day!

Studies have shown that too much sitting can lead to a variety of negative health effects such as weight gain, unhealthy circulation and increased risk of disease. Thankfully, these negative health effects can be avoided with a simple lifestyle change: standing while you work.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Standing while you work is fast becoming the number one way to counteract the health risks of too much sitting – even for those that exercise daily.

Unfortunately, the negative health effects of sitting for five or six hours each day can’t be undone by an hour at the gym-no matter how rigorous your workout might be.

The solution is to vary your daily sitting quota with other types of activities, namely standing and pacing. If you are really ambitious, adding in a few jumping jacks, wall push-ups, or squats will help remove the strain of just sitting and help increase your energy.

The crux of the issue is the length of time that people are remaining seated these days. Research has shown that, regardless of how much physical exercise you get in, the only way to counteract the increased risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes is to mix up your work routine between sitting, standing and stretching.

One of the best ways to implement this healthy transition into your lifestyle is by investing in a great sit to stand desk.

Science and Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic is backing up the use of standing desks in offices and at home. These scientific standing desk benefits include:

Reduced risk of obesity
Reduced risk of heart disease
Reduced risk of developing type II diabetes
Reduced risk of cancer
Living a longer life!

How to Choose the Best Standing Desk

One of the greatest standing desk benefits is that they offer sedentary workers a choice. To sit or to stand-that is the question.

There’s also the question of budget. Do you want to spend more money on an adjustable height standing desk, or do you want to spend less money and convert your existing desk to a sit stand desk.

Adjustable Height Desk Pros & Cons

Pros:

The ability to customize your desk to fit your height and reach requirements
The flexibility to choose whether to sit or stand, since adjustable sit stand desks allow you to raise and lower your desk at will
Manual vs. electric adjustable desks: the good standing desks make it relatively easy and to raise and lower the desk smoothly without disturbing your computer or cup of coffee-whether they offer an electric or manual mechanism

Cons:

Price. Often, high-quality adjustable height desks are expensive, although there are more value options as standing desks increase in popularity.
Some manual cranks can be difficult to turn and not deliver a smooth raising or lowering of the desk, meaning you might knock things over
Some electric motors don’t deliver a smooth raising or lowering either, or move in slow increments

Standing Desk Converter Pros & Cons

You will want to determine your priorities before buying. Do you want a standing desk converter to add height to your current desk? Or would you prefer to buy a whole new, fully adjustable standing desk altogether?

What kind of style fits your office space? Knowing what kinds of features you want before you make your purchase as well as your budget will help make your decision easier.

Pros:

You don’t have to get rid of your current desk
Standing desk converters are typically less expensive for anyone on a budget
It’s a good way to test drive the concept of standing while you work

Cons:

You’ll want to make sure that it has enough surface space to hold your gadgets. I.e. not all are made for dual monitors, a charging station, and an inbox
It’s important to understand how the standing desk converter will attach to your existing desk. If you have a really nice piece of furniture, for instance, you might not want to fasten a desk converter to the top
Style. Although there are some attractive standing desk converters (which I review below), you might have to pay a little more for one with both function and style

Below are the top 9 standing desks that fit a variety of budgets and styles, as well as offer choices between standing desk converters and adjustable height desks.

Stand Up Desk Store’s Adjustable Height Standing Desk

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

This standing desk by the Stand Up Desk Store features a natural walnut top with a modern, versatile design with plenty of surface space for your monitor, keyboard, laptop and paperwork.

It also comes with a manual crank adjuster that’s delivers a smooth transition from sitting to standing height.

For those that prefer a customizable option, this value-priced desk comes with a wide variety of color options to select from.

Vivo Sit to Stand Workstation

The Vivo workstation is a fantastic standing desk option that offers adjustable heights, convenient tiers for monitors or keyboards and an easy set-up.

This addition is also equipped with a gas spring force that easily adjusts the height so it fits your height and reach needs. With plenty of space for dual monitors and a keyboard, this will easily convert your existing desk without hurting your pocket.

The Vivo workstation is perfect if you are a professional that needs desk space but wants a reliable, flexible solution for a great value.

ApexDesk Electric Height Adjustable Sit to Stand Desk

The ApexDesk adjusts electrically with minimum hassle and maximum convenience. Although it comes in at a higher price point, it still delivers good value for the money.

This high-quality desk is built with a minimalistic design and an anti-scratch surface to support a variety of office materials.

Versatility is key, and this desk comes in six different color options to suit your office space. If you don’t have the time to spend on setup, you have the option to order it pre-assembled, for an additional price.

Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Desk Converter

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

This value-priced desk converter comes ready for use – no assembly required. The converter itself features a minimalistic, modern design that easily converts to whatever height works best for you.

The surface space is good, but probably not designed for those who with dual monitors. Its lifting mechanism allows for easy height adjustments.

Stand Up Desk Store Standing Desktop Desk

Also from the Stand Up Desk Store, this simple desktop converter solution offers an amazing value for what you receive. It’s easily assembled and its height is adjustable.

Although I wouldn’t recommend this to top a $ 5000 desk, it does feature rubber soles so that your current desk surface doesn’t incur any damage and it gets the job done at a great price point!

Moreover, it opens up desk space underneath so you can stand for certain tasks and sit for others without moving the standing desk converter.

Rise Up Electrical Standing Desk With Bamboo Top

At premium price range, this desk from Rise Up is the best stand up desk option for those who want an electronic solution with the memory to remember height preferences.

You have the option of buying the frame with electric motor and supplying your own desktop, which is a nice option for those who want a custom standing desk.

Or, you can spend a little extra to get their bamboo top, which is sustainable, stylish, worth it.

This desk’s adjustable capabilities coupled with its high-quality electronic mechanism with memory, this desk is a great investment for both your office and your health.

60″ Split Top Electric Stand Up Desk

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Your stand-up workstation has never been easier to navigate with this split top option. It’s designed for premium functionality, one level at keyboard height and one level at monitor height, and it even comes with rollers on the feet for ease of transportation.

This standing desk is ideal for those who simply need a workstation for a computer and keyboard or just a laptop. There isn’t a lot of additional surface space for doing paperwork, so paper jockeys will likely need a different solution.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

It adjusts from sitting to standing level in a matter of seconds and features a sleek, professional design at reasonable price.

Ergo Elements Adjustable Height Standing Desk

If you’re looking to buy in the premium price range, this modern and environmentally-conscious desk is elegantly designed to move from sitting to standing with the touch of a button.

This Ergo Elements standing desk is manufactured with recycled materials and is available in 3 different color options. It also comes together with minimum hassle due to the pre-drilled materials and easy assembly instructions.

Although its simplicity won’t appeal to everyone’s sense of style, it does offer a large surface area, making it ideal for just about anyone’s purposes – from paper pushers to those who with dual monitors.

Halter ED-600 Preassembled Height Adjustable Desktop Desk

Sophisticated and fully assembled straight out of the box, this beautiful sit to stand desk converter by Halter offers premium quality at a value price.

With one tier for your keyboard and one that can hold dual monitors, this standing desk converter is a great solution. It uses gas spring technology to easily adjust up or down.

For those looking for a more traditional style, the warm wood surface makes this standing desk converter a great choice.

Conclusion

Whether you decide on a fully adjustable standing desk or simply convert your existing desk, you are definitely making the choice to improve your health by reducing the amount of time you spend on your rear!

Let me know what sit stand desk you choose or if you find a better one!

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