Struggling with time and task management? You might be surprised to learn that the key to better time management could be hiding in plain sight – your computer’s built-in alarm! In this post, we’ll explore how simple alarm functions can be transformed into powerful tools for arriving on-time, remembering to complete a task, submitting work by the due date, and reducing stress.
Setting an alarm can boost your productivity in the following ways:
- Enhanced time management: Alarms help schedule your day efficiently, ensuring you remember appointments and tasks and allocate enough time for each.
- Reduces cognitive load: Setting an alarm can eliminate the burden of remembering or the fear of losing track of time.
- Improved focus: Alarms can be set for specific tasks, creating dedicated focus periods and minimizing distractions.
- Due date reminders: Alarms ensure you stay on track for completing tasks.
- Improved habit building: Regularly scheduled alarms can help establish routines and create lasting positive habits.
- Reduced stress: You can feel at ease knowing you have a plan to remember important items and prompts for on-time arrival or on-time completion of tasks.
Follow the instructions for setting alarms on your computer to enhance your time and task management.
PC Computer: Microsoft Operating System
Set an alarm in the Clock app
- Install the Windows Clock app from the Microsoft Store, if it is not already installed on your computer.
- Type “clock app” in the Search bar of the computer home screen and select the application. You may choose to pin it to your taskbar for easy access.
- In the pop-up window, select Alarm.
- To set an alarm, press the Plus Sign in the bottom right of the window.
- Use the up/down arrows or type the hour, minutes, and am or pm.
- Type a name for the timer so you are reminded why the alarm is going off when it does go off.
- Checkmark Repeat Alarm and select the days of the week, if applicable. Choose sound and snooze preferences.
- Click the Save button.
- Toggle the alarm on or off.
- The alarm will work when the computer is powered on.
Microsoft Support article: How to use alarms and timers in the Clock app in Windows 10
Apple Computer: Mac Operating System
Set an alarm in the Clock app
- At the top of your computer screen, click the date a time and click on the world clocks. OR You can open the Clock app from the Applications folder in Finder. Pin the Clock app to your dock using the Keep in Dock option.
- In the pop-up window, select the Alarm tab.
- Press the Plus Sign in the top right corner of the window.
- Type the hour and minutes. Select am or pm.
- In the Label field, type a name for the timer so you are reminded why the alarm is going off when it does go off.
- Select day(s) of the week, if you want the alarm to repeat each week. Choose a sound preference and checkmark snooze, if desired.
- Click the Save button.
- Toggle the alarm on or off.
- The alarm will work when the computer is powered on.
Apple Support article: Clock User Guide
Other strategies for time management
- Add your schedule and activities to a digital calendar include reminders and alerts
- Sync your work, school, or athletic calendar with your personal digital calendar
- Set a timer to focus on tasks and take breaks
- Use a reminders application to remember appointments of tasks
Resources
These resources are provided simply to create awareness about additional options for alarms.
- Use the Reminder app or Clock app on your smartphone to set an alarm.
Start your journey to greater efficiency
Are you ready to transform the way you learn, work, or manage tasks at home? My mission is to help you implement mainstream assistive technology to enhance your daily life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.
Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.
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