The rise of remote work has become a standard practice for lots of professionals, and thus, having the appropriate workstation can help you be productive and have a comfortable space to work in.
Although Chromebooks are often thought of as appropriate devices for students and casual uses, they can handle remote work well with the adjustments, accessories, and software to make them your go-to work device.
Whether you are working from home, in a coffee shop or on the go, getting yourself and your Chromebook set up will help you stay more productive, and keep distractions down, while also allowing you that gentle nudge to take a much-deserved break.
This article will cover how to work remotely using your Chromebook as well as how to strike a balance between work and leisure.
Enhancing Workflow on Your Chromebook
One of the best things about a Chromebook is that it is simple and fast. It doesn’t have the bulky or unnecessary software bogging your laptop down. However, you can certainly make a few simple changes that will improve the way you work.
A cluttered “digital desk” can be just as distracting as a messy desk. Chrome OS allows you to separate and use multiple workspaces thanks to Virtual Desks.
For example, you might have one desk for your Gmail and Slack another desk for Trello account project management apps, and a third desk for your deep work, such as writing reports and coding. Besides looking tidy and organized you won’t find yourself having to struggle to remember which app was located on which desk.
Utilizing the Right Applications for a Smoother Experience
While Chromebooks use web-based applications a lot, you aren’t limited to those capabilities. Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, and Slides) is a good place to get started, but there are plenty of strong alternatives for different work requirements.
For fulfilling video conferencing functions, Zoom and Google Meet work well on Chromebooks. Productivity applications such as Evernote or Notion are good for tracking notes and ideas.
For a significant number of PDF documents, applications such as Kami or DocHub allow you to edit on the browser, and annotate files on the browser. Even for specialized tasks, such as graphic design, applications such as Canva or Figma can act in place of traditional software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Improving Comfort with the Right Accessories
When you are working from home, you are likely spending multiple hours in front of a screen, and this can easily lead to physical discomfort or even more serious health issues if you are not adequately set up to be as healthy and comfortable as possible. By purchasing just a few select accessories, you can greatly improve your overall work experience.
An external high-quality keyboard and mouse can make a world of difference when using a small Chromebook. Although built-in keyboards on Chromebooks are good, if you can invest in a full-size mechanical keyboard, your typing function will be easier, faster, and more comfortable.
A Bluetooth mouse will also help you navigate faster and give your hand a break when reaching for an onscreen button. If you find yourself working in multiple locations, a portable second monitor will improve efficiency to be able to multitask better with more natural screen space.
Balancing Work and Life with Purposeful Breaks
One of the difficulties with remote working is the continuous crossing of boundaries between professional and personal time. Without definite markers, this can easily develop into overworking, and there is a risk of burnout.
That is why having purposeful breaks is equally significant as being productive. Participating in specific activities that help you decompress can enhance your focus when you return to your duties.
Some individuals like to have a swift walk, stretch their legs, or read a book. Others resort to digital activities like viewing television series, online games or joining a social community to decompress.
For individuals who like interactive entertainment for the mind, online gambling has grown to be a significant leisure activity. Whether you want to play a round of poker for free or with real money, try a game that has a strategy to it, like blackjack, or try your luck on a slot machine, the idea is to entertain yourself while detaching from your duties.
Of course, this leads to finding a reputable platform to explore this space, so search well before setting up an account. You want to make sure that the site is licensed and that the site offers responsible gambling tools.
Properly evaluating the platforms will enhance your experience of online gambling with friends while creating an overall stress-free and enjoyable experience.
