EVERYDAY MICRO-EFFICIENCY CLASSICS #01

Take control of your inbox — and your registrations.

1. Use rules / filters to tame email

Auto-label newsletters, skip CC-only emails, or flag mails containing “Action Required”.

And instead of checking email continuously, set fixed times to process your inbox.

Think of the inbox as a task queue — not your to-do list.

2. Want to know who is sharing your email address?

In Gmail, use a +tag before the @.

For example:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mails still arrive in your normal inbox, but you can identify where the address was used and create filters for it.

No separate email account needed.

Note: Some websites don't accept the + character.

EVERYDAY MICRO-EFFICIENCY CLASSICS #02

Two quick ways to make your computer feel less cluttered.

1. Laptop taking too long to start?

Check:

Task Manager → Startup apps

Disable programs you don't need running automatically.

This doesn't uninstall anything — it simply stops unnecessary programs from launching with Windows.

Fewer things starting = a cleaner start.

2. Running out of disk space? Find the space hogs first.

In File Explorer, search:

size:>100MB

You can also look for large, old files using:

datemodified:<01/01/2025

Now you can decide what should be archived or deleted.

Find first. Delete later.

EVERYDAY MICRO-EFFICIENCY CLASSICS #03

Laptop getting hot or battery disappearing too quickly?

1. Check what's draining the battery

Go to:

Settings → System → Power & battery → Battery usage

You may find a browser, video app or background application using more power than expected.

Use Energy Saver when you need to stretch the remaining battery.

Don't guess what's draining the battery. Let Windows show you.

2. Laptop heating up, freezing or behaving strangely?

Before assuming it's a hardware problem:

• Keep air vents unobstructed
• Avoid using it on a bed or soft surface
• Check Task Manager for unusually high CPU usage
• Close unused applications

If the screen freezes or flickers, try:

Win + Ctrl + Shift + B

Windows restarts the graphics driver.

Sometimes the problem isn't the hardware. Find out what's causing it.

EVERYDAY MICRO-EFFICIENCY CLASSICS #04

Two tiny Windows tricks that can save surprising amounts of time.

1. Need to see something tiny on your screen?

Press: Win + +

Windows Magnifier opens.

Useful for scanned PDFs, challans, low-resolution documents or small webpage text.

Press Win + Esc to close it.

Sometimes the quickest solution is simply making the screen bigger.

2. Want a simple timestamped work log without opening Excel?

Open Notepad and type:

.LOG

Save the file.

Each time you open it, Notepad automatically inserts the current date and time.

Useful for:

• Client follow-ups
• Call notes
• Pending items
• A chronological work record

Sometimes a tiny tool is enough for a simple job.

EVERYDAY MICRO-EFFICIENCY CLASSICS — FUN EDITION 😄

Three tiny tricks for when work gets a little too serious.

1. Need emojis without touching your mouse?

Windows: Win + .
Mac: Cmd + Ctrl + Space

Your emoji keyboard appears instantly.

Because even spreadsheets deserve a little 😄

2. Need a 2-minute break? Go surfing.

Using Microsoft Edge?

Type:

edge://surf

Press Enter.

A hidden surfing game opens right inside the browser. 🌊

3. No internet? No problem.

In Google Chrome, type:

chrome://dino

Press Enter.

The dinosaur game appears — and you don't need an internet outage to take a break! 🦖

Audits. Spreadsheets. Compliance.
And occasionally… survival games. 😄