Make the Most of Waiting Time: 4 Ways to Organize Your Tech
We’ve all been there: you’re waiting in line, at the doctor’s office, repair shop, or in the carpool pickup lane. Even longer waiting spans exist as you travel by plane, train, or automobile (unless you’re the driver!). Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media or getting frustrated by the wait, why not seize the moment to declutter your technology? Here are four simple tasks you can tackle on your smartphone or tablet during those idle minutes—plus five potential benefits you’ll reap from organizing while you wait.
Clean Up Your Photos
If you snap photos like I do, the collection grows rapidly. Screenshots, items to sell, moments with pets, the sunrise every day, that big trip…you get the picture (intentional pun- you’re welcome). Start scrolling through your pictures, deleting items sold, duplicates, blurry or undesirable shots. Photos from trips are especially rewarding as you can delete so many, and you can discover that the trip is memorable with even half the shots you originally took. Once you’ve deleted, take time to create albums for vacations, events, or professional needs, and mark favorites.
Reviewing and cleaning your photo library fosters both gratitude and awareness of your resilience. You will be reminded of all the good people and experiences in your life, giving you a dopamine boost to improve your mood. It may also show you times that were hard and challenging, that you survived and overcame, learning lessons and strengthening you.
The photo cleanse will also free up precious space for new photos or apps, and finding important photos will be easier.
Unsubscribe and Organize Emails
Going through emails can be a dreaded task, but the time saved later and feeling of accomplishment and freedom are well worth it. Start by looking for newsletters or promotional emails you no longer wish to receive, and “unsubscribe”. Even retailers or sources you like can fill your inbox several times daily with sales offers to keep you buying. It’s ok to unsubscribe; you can always find them again when a true need arises. For emails that are complete or old, hit delete. If an email has an important document attached, save the document, and delete the email. If an email needs to be kept and followed up with, flag it.
Deleting and unsubscribing from emails saves time and money; a smaller inbox means less overwhelm, clarity of priority emails, and creates more time for your own priorities. Distilling emails also helps you be intentional about which brands and topics truly interest you and bring you value. This will also minimize how susceptible you want to be to online marketing.
Delete Old Text Threads and Web Pages
The speed of texting and the vastness of the web leads to an equally speedy backlog of conversations and open web pages. Overlooked texts can easily lead to missed connections or forgetting items to attend to. Scan through conversations and remove threads that are no longer relevant. If you find conversations requiring a reply, prioritize these and commit to replying right away, or as soon as you’re able. If desired photos, documents, or data are in the text thread, download them, then delete the thread. Purge the web browsers too, saving only what’s necessary.
Deleting old text threads creates more space in the messaging app and reduces the chance that personal data lingering there will be compromised. Focusing on the quality of connections rather than quantity can help you keep conversations going with those you value most.
Make a “Must Do” Paper List
When I travel or find myself waiting, I always follow these tips to organize my phone, but I also use two other tools—a pen and paper, specifically a small Field Notes notebook or a Moleskine notebook that fits in my purse. This may seem old-fashioned, but as I go through my phone or device, there are inevitably things that I am reminded of that I wish to prioritize—my “MUST DO” list. By nature, I also love lists—and the great joy I feel from crossing tasks off is another carrot. The Notes app on your device also works well—if you remember to go back to it. This list becomes my highest priority.
Because physically crossing off a task on a written list is motivational, it can lead to a desire to make more lists and cross off more tasks. The written list is also an easy and concise way to get things done, forcing you to be intentional and prioritize. Hold yourself accountable to complete the list and add a healthy reward for yourself at the end. Reinforcing your positive behaviors is a win, and many small wins lead to more and bigger wins.
Summary of Benefits
Saving Time
By unsubscribing from unwanted emails, deleting texts, and keeping your photos organized, you cut down on the time wasted searching for essential info or dealing with irrelevant content.Saving Money
By avoiding endless scrolling on social media or online retailers, you’ll be less tempted to buy an unneeded item or be lured in by what others are buying or selling.
Making Priorities Clear
A “Must Do” list helps you clarify which tasks deserve attention first. Organizing digital clutter can also highlight important projects or messages that might’ve been buried.Connecting with Friends or Family
As you delete old text threads, you might notice messages you wanted to reply to or friends or family you’ve lost touch with. Use this as a prompt to send a thoughtful follow-up.Gratitude and Resilience
Sorting through photos can remind you of good memories or victories during challenging times—perfect for a quick pick-me-up when life feels hectic.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re stuck waiting—whether it’s five minutes or half an hour—give your phone or tablet some TLC. A few small changes make a big difference in managing digital overload, and you’ll thank yourself when your inbox is streamlined, your photos are curated, and your must-do list is on point. Scrolling social media often gets us comparing and focusing on what we DON’T HAVE, but being mindful as we address our digital life can get us focused back on what we DO HAVE.
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