Choosing the right power mode helps keep your system running smoothly and prevents issues.
| Mode | When to Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep | If you are stepping away for a short period (e.g., lunch break, meeting). | Fast resume, keeps your apps open, low power consumption. | Can cause system instability if used for too long, still consumes some power. |
| Hibernate | If you won’t be using your device for several hours (e.g., end of the workday). | Saves open apps, no power consumption. | Can slow down system performance over time, may cause issues if used repeatedly without a restart. |
| Shutdown | If you won’t be using your device for a full day or longer (e.g., weekend, vacation). | Fresh start clears temporary issues, extends hardware lifespan. | Takes longer to boot up, requires reopening apps and files. |
Best Practice:
Sleep: If stepping away for a short period.
Hibernate: If away for a full workday but will resume work the next day.
Shutdown: If not using your laptop for more than a day.
Restart regularly (at least once per week) to ensure system stability and refresh performance.
Declutter your physical desk to minimize distractions.
Organize digital files and keep a structured folder system.
Use a task manager or to-do list to stay on track.
Follow the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25-50 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break.
Stand up and stretch to reduce strain and improve circulation.
Avoid screen fatigue by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 meters away for 20 seconds.
Lock your screen when stepping away (Windows: Win + L | Mac: Cmd + Ctrl + Q).
Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive work.
Set focus hours by disabling unnecessary notifications.
Use tools like "Do Not Disturb" mode to minimize interruptions.
Schedule email and message check-ins instead of constant monitoring.
Define clear start and end times for your workday.
Take time to unwind and separate work from personal life.
If working remotely, create a dedicated workspace to maintain boundaries.
Do not let team members wait too long for an answer.
Acknowledge messages even if you need time to provide a full response.
Use status updates or auto-replies when unavailable.
Prioritize urgent matters and communicate expected response times.
If you are missing information and it is not documented anywhere, once you obtain it, write it down in a place where everyone can find it next time.
Keep shared knowledge bases or documentation up to date to avoid repeated issues.
If you have feedback on how to improve a process or workflow, share it with the team.
Constructive feedback helps optimize work processes and enhances productivity.
Use designated feedback channels or meetings to suggest improvements.
Following these best practices will help keep your workday productive, your system running smoothly, and your work-life balance healthy.