Posts

Teaming Apple Devices

Apple added continuity to its devices in 2014.  Contuinuity works with iPhones, iPads, iPods, Macs, and Watches.  It enables users to switch between devices by using the same Apple ID on all of them.  See below for a list of features that can be handed off between Apple's Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch. And learn more by reading articles about continuity at Apple's Support Website . AirDrop  - send documents, photos, videos, etc. to a nearby iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. AirPlay  - share content from another Apple device to the screen of your Mac. Apple Pay - shop online on one device and complete purchase on another device.   Auto Unlock  - get access to Mac from Apple Watch Camera  - use iPhone, iPad, or iPod to scan documents or take a picture for a Mac. Calling  - make and receive calls from your Mac, iPad, or iPod touch by connecting them to iPhone. Clipboard - c opy content from one device and then paste o...

Managing Time

Time management increases productivity, relieves stress, and prevents procrastination. Make time management part of your daily life by delegating, planning, and prioritizing.  Consider using the apps listed below to help get things done. Learn tips and techniques by reading the articles and books listed below.   Apps Calendaring Collaboration Note-Taking Managing Projects Improving Productivity To Do Lists Timekeeping Articles Balancing Work and Life at School  Managing Time in the Workplace Improving Time Management Skills Overcoming Procrastination  Skills Need for Time Management  Time Management Tips for Lawyers Books Checklist Manifesto Habits of Highly Effective People How to Stop Procrastinating Getting Things Done

Masking Strategies

Below are AARP's recommendations for masking by vaccinated and unvaccinated. For more information, read A ARP's comprehensive article about living well during and after the Pandemic .  Also see Cleveland Clinic’s Mask Strategies , NJ's Tips on Where to Buy Masks , WSJ’s FAQ’s About Masking , and AARP's Mask Rankings  and  Covid Portal .   Covid variants can elevate the risk of infection so be careful to protect yourself, your family, and your friends. ​​ When Vaccinated Should Mask When gathering indoors with others who have tested positive or not been vaccinated  When indoors with the general public. When entering areas where mask mandates are in place When you feel unsafe When Unvaccinated Should Mask When indoors in public (especially in hospitals and nursing homes) When outdoors in crowds When entering areas where mask mandates are in place​​. When you feel unsafe

Avoiding Corona Confusion

Below are tips for staying safe and sane amid changing directives, conflicting messages, and surging cases.  Covid has caused an  epidemic of confusion  that can be overcome by staying safe  and keeping calm .  Staying Safe and Calm Contacts - limit to small groups of familiar contacts Masking  - Wear KN 95 masks while in public areas News - Avoid polarizing news reports  Sanitizing - Use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces in public areas Shots - Get vaccinated and stay boosted to protect yourself and others Testing - test if needed for employment, travel, or immune compromised Travel - limit non-essential travel and focus on outdoor activities

Organizing Closets and Desks

Below are tips from for organizing desks, closets, and pantries.  Organizing facilitates quick and easy access to your things. Get helpful tools from the Container Store and Target and Uline . Get more tips by reading articles about organizing pantries and de-cluttering  files ,  homes , and photos .   Tips for Organizing Closets, Computers, and Desks Sort, toss and Donate Fill shelves back to front Group items of like kind  Use reusable containers Create in-cabinet solutions

Disconnecting from Work

Below are strategies for disconnecting from work to avoid burnout and stay social. Disconnecting from work on a daily basis is more effective than waiting for the weekend or taking an occasional vacation. Disconnecting is difficult and requires commitment to tactics to overcome fear of missing out. For more tips, read articles about the importance of disconnecting ,  how to do it , enjoying  life ,  healthy tech habits ,  managing stress ,  preventing burnout , and tips for disconnecting .  Disconnect Strategies Boundary - create physical boundaries between work space if you work from home Games - take up a game like checkers, chess, or canasta for mental stimulation Lunch - take time for daily lunch and try to schedule with colleagues and walks Relax - take a daily walk after work to mentally disconnect and enjoy nature Schedule - set a daily start and end time for work and adopt rituals to enforce like exercise Unplug - Set a quitting time and turn off yo...

Gadgets For Remote Workers

Below is a checklist of tools for organizing gadgets at home and on the road. For more organizing ideas, read articles about gadgets for home offices ,  working on the go , and tools for international travel . For further study, read books with  tech tips  and technology guides . Gadgets for Remote Workers Bag - store accessories (e.g. cables, chargers, and adapters) Batteries  - backup power for smartphones and tablets Cable Block - detangle wires  Carrying Case  - transport iPads and other tablets Charger  - wirelessly charge smartphones and digital devices Digital Assistant  - set alarms, listen to music, ask questions, etc. Dock  -  organize wires for laptops and accessories Drive  - backup documents with a portable hard drive Flash  - transfer documents and photos to other devices Headphones  - silence outside noises Speakers - improve conference calls Trackers - find lost keys, wallets, etc.

Staying Calm

Below are tips on how to become a calmer person. Learn more by reading articles about easing anxiety ,  releasing stress  and seeking serenity . For deeper study, read books about managing stress  and positive thinking . Tips for Staying Calmer Browsing - don’t Google for comments by extremists on the right or left  Debating - change topics when others try to discuss politics or controversies  Disengage - reduce time spent reading and viewing political and news content   Extracurricular  - Pursue hobbies and attend concerts, seminars, and sporting events Meetup - stay connected with family and friends Reading - avoid reading sources of anger-producing material Socialize - participate in group activities

Dealing With Liars

Lying can occur in a variety of settings including business, family, legal, medical, political, and social. Lies range from white lies to bald faced untruths. Lies can be told by anyone including celebrities, clients, coworkers, family, friends, politicians, and sellers. Liars can cloud judgment, cause problems, and damage relationships. Remember that you cannot change a deceptive person. Maintain an attitude of healthy skepticism and independently verify truthfulness. Below are warning signs that someone is lying and a list of articles and books to help deal with them.   Warning Signs That Someone is Lying Answering - repeats questions before answering them Body Language - plays with hair, gestures with hands, puts fingers on face Eyes - looks away at a crucial moment Eyes - excessive blinking Response - vague response with few details Perspiration - facial sweating Volume - sudden increase in volume Articles Avoiding Scams Body Language   Dealing With a Liar Handling a ...

Adopting Useful Technologies

Following are emerging technologies to adopt in your daily life. Use these technologies to make life easier and better. For more information, read articles about  COVID Inspired Technolog y, Digital Etiquette , Emerging Trends , Music Streaming , Payment Apps , and Technology Tips . Technologies Worth Adopting Assistants  - use a digital assistant like Echo Show or Google Home instead of an alarm clock or radio Banking  - use banking apps for deposits, etc. instead of ATM’s GPS -  use map apps like Apple, Google, or Waze for navigation  Links  - Insert links into words instead of pasting lengthy URL's QR  - Scan QR codes on restaurant tables with smartphones instead of requesting a menu  Transfers  - Use transfer apps like Venmo and Zelle instead of cash Video  - watch  “How To” videos on YouTube instead of reading user manuals Streaming  - Use services like Amazon, Apple, and Spotify instead of radios