Your Guide to Working Remotely on a MacBook

If you have a Macbook, working from home might not be the worst thing ever. The ongoing pandemic continues to pose the question of when some of us will be able to return to our offices. There is no date yet, so remote work seems to be the only solution for now.

Thankfully, Macs are quite reliable, and you can boost your productivity even more by making some adjustments. The home environment might not be the same as what you have at a regular workplace, but you should still try to make the most out of the situation.

Tip #1 – Ensure the Computer is Running Smoothly

Since the Macbook will be your primary working tool, you need to keep it in the best possible condition.

Hear a loud noise or feel that the temperature is too high? It probably means that there is too much dust and dirt inside, and you need to remove it.

If the computer takes too long to load after every restart, too many icons on the desktop could be the cause. Checking for potential malware and viruses is also a good piece of advice.

Macbooks are somewhat notorious for their lack of available disk storage. That is why more and more people get a cleaner for mac and delete temporary system junk that clogs the laptop’s drive.

The bottom line is that you need a Macbook maintenance strategy, and one that you can stick to. Otherwise, it will not be too long before the computer starts to underperform again.

Tip #2 – Add a Second Monitor

If you had a large screen back at the office, getting used to a relatively small Macbook screen may be too difficult.

In addition to getting a Macbook, some people invest in an iPad as well. Thanks to the Sidecar feature, you can use an iPad as a second display.

At the same time, you also have an option to purchase a monitor, though make sure that it is compatible with your Macbook’s model. Ask for tech-savvy friends or colleagues’ recommendations if you are not sure which monitor would be the best.

Tip #3 – Set up a Proper Home Office

Adding a second monitor is a good first step toward setting your home office. If there is a spare room that you can turn into a dedicated workplace, do not hesitate and go for it.

We usually associate home with a place to relax, so finding the motivation to work there can be difficult. A proper home office should help with the problem.

You may find that putting the Macbook on a desk requires you to hunch over when you want to type. To complete the setup of a home office, invest in a laptop stand that readjusts the computer’s height by elevating it. Oh, and here is a neat trick. If you are still unhappy with the position of your Mac, you can put something underneath the stand. For example, books.

Tip #4 – Disable Notifications

Your attention will run dry if you are constantly bombarded with notifications. Some apps push for new updates or send requests to read irrelevant information. Similar to smartphones, Macbooks also have what seems like a never-ending source of notifications.

You need to change that. Go to the Notification Center and disable notifications for each background application or enable the Do Not Disturb mode.

Tip #5 – Get Rid of Distracting Apps

Notifications are not the only source of Macbook distractions. You may be tempted to play video games or check a Netflix series if the icons of these applications are visible on the desktop.

Even if you have the notifications disabled, you will still have an urge to check Messenger or Discord, even if nobody has sent you anything.

The simplest solution would be deleting these applications from the desktop. Use them as a reward after a long day instead, not as a means to escape for a while in the middle of the work.

Tip #6 – Use Reminders Application

Staying on top of your job can be difficult when you do not have supervision. Reminders application makes life easier as you can create a list of tasks in advance and follow it to confirm that everything is finished in time.

The Calendar app and the Toggl tool are worth a shout as well. It can be harder to manage time. You could get into work so much that you forget the lunch break or an important meeting. And if there is nobody around to remind you, the fault will lie with you.

Tip #7 – Set Boundaries With Family

Speaking of reminders from others, some people may not be living and working from home alone. Family members might distract you even if you are sitting at the home office.

You need to establish healthy boundaries and let others know that there is a time when you are available and too busy with work. At least make them knock or send you a text to ask if they can speak to you.

Tip #8 – Listen to Music

The argument of how music improves work efficiency goes both ways. First of all, not everyone has the opportunity to listen to it, even if it is just the background. And certain types of songs are more of a distraction rather than something that helps one concentrate.

At the same time, there are those who are in a constant state of stress, and music is one of the few ways to make the work tolerable.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference as well as work arrangements. If your job allows for it, and you think that music might help, give it a try. And if it does not, you can restore the status quo and work in quiet.

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