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The 2nd way I'm clearing my brain 🧠
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In yesterday's email, I shared how the Arc browser was helping me keep my laptop (and brain) running better. Today I want to share the second change I've made to simplify my work life using the automations and shortcuts feature on Apple devices. This feature is SOOOOO GOOOD, not sure how we managed so long without it tbh. But it's safe to say we are now both fully embracing our automation era! How we're using Apple automations to make life easierDisclaimer: We're Apple gals, so we have no idea if you can do similar on other devices, sorry! 1) Shortcut splits my screen between my two most used apps This runs every time I open Slack on my laptop, so it also opens my email inbox and splits the screen so I only have 3 windows (those two and Arc) open. 2) Shortcut to start a Pomodoro timer This is great for focus work as it sets a timer and puts my device into a focus mode with notifications turned off. 3) Put my phone on low battery mode at 10am every day Don't ask me why I chose 10am... Laura D has this running when her battery hits 50%. Both help save our poor batteries from draining. 4) Send a text We use this to send updates of our locations - this one is great if you also have a relative with dementia, set it up to text someone when they leave the house. 5) Automatically rename screenshots This one is a game changer if you can never find that screenshot you were keeping for a special occasion 😉 - super simple to set up - this video will help. 6) Automatically set a timer when you open any social media app Sure, you could set limits in the apps themselves, but let's be real here... when you work in social media, sometimes you need to be ON social media apps! This way, an alarm goes off after 10 minutes on any social media app. 7) Clean up old photos Ok, honesty time... I have 23,137 photos on my iPhone at the time of writing this email (I KNOW!!), but this shortcut is helping me to reduce that number every day. Each time it runs, it shows me old photos taken on this day a year ago (you can edit the years), so I can delete or keep them! Brilliant for deleting old client photos and random screenshots! Here's the recipe link. Welcome to your automation era!! Speak soon ~ The two Lauras P.S. If you know of any other cool Apple shortcuts or automations, let us know! |
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Join thousands of freelance social media managers who actually look forward to their emails. We mix practical tips, hot takes, and relatable advice to help you build a profitable business — without burning out or selling your soul. Expect smart ideas, swipeable strategies, and the occasional reference to reality TV or Chris Hemsworth’s abs (because balance.)
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