I put my laptop to sleep after work.
I never shut down.
I do it for two reasons:
- It takes less time when I log back in.
- I do not lose my browser tabs.
There is no drastic time difference to get the login screen. Sometimes it takes longer if the machine installs updates.
The browser tabs are crucial for me. I group them with the project name and colour. It helps me to resume my work quickly the next day.
Putting my laptop on sleep boosts my productivity.
That’s what I thought till I realised, it was not valid.
I look at 20 tabs when I start my work. I pick the appropriate group based on the priority. My work further leads to opening many more new tabs. It happens for all other projects.
I often open duplicate pages because I need to remember if the required page is already opened. The browser has 30+ tabs on the second day.
I put my laptop to sleep. The pattern continues. The tab accumulates.
I have got an ultra-wide screen. So I also open one window for easy navigation. The new browser window adapts to the same pattern. I have at least 50+ tabs on both browsers now.
My existing pattern of putting my computer to sleep exhausts me.
Putting my laptop to sleep overwhelms the hardware and my brain.
It saturates me.
It scatters my focus.
It drains my energy — a lot.
One day, I shut down my laptop. I didn’t care about any tabs. Accidentally, I discovered a solution. It further inspired me to launch the DIGITAL MINIMALISM project.
The idea is to refine the work style.
To introduce subtle change that requires less action to achieve more.
My solution is simple.
I close every window after completing my work and shut down my laptop.
That’s it.
One tiny action changed everything.
How?
- Start with blank: I start my day with a blank screen. There is no carry forward from yesterday. There is no residue. It helps to set the top priority of the day.
- 2-Hour per project or task: I start my day with a browser window and allocate two hours per project. I open the required tabs. But I close the browser window after completing the task. I repeat this pattern for the next two-hour slot.
- Compelling study: I have a learning hour. I will close all the windows and pick a topic I want to study. I start a new window and Google about that topic. I open a few other tabs and read related articles. I take my notes. I close the browser.
- Happy hardware: I shut down my laptop after work. No matter what. I usually opt for “Update and Shutdown”. The hardware likes it. It’s fast because all the processes reboot the next day. It’s also secure with the latest patches.
The core idea of shutdown is more comprehensive than a laptop. It applies to web browsers and your tasks.
It’s powerful to focus on one task at a time.
It’s powerful to open a few tabs that belong to one task.
Most importantly, closing everything after you complete the task is mighty.
It gives a sense of achievement.
You don’t have to perform circus with 50 tabs anymore. Because you cannot entertain everyone, pick a few. And go all the way.
I encourage you to close everything after you read this article on a mobile browser or laptop.
Shut down your machine or reboot your phone.
Have a cup of tea.
Think about the most crucial task or learning topic.
Start new.
Now.
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Tags: Minimalism Productivity Time Management