Technology is meant to make our lives easier, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming. With so many tools, apps, and updates, getting lost in the digital world is easy. Kirsten Poon, an IT specialist from Edmonton, has spent years helping people navigate technology efficiently. She believes that small tech changes can greatly impact productivity and daily life. Here, she shares some of her top tech hacks to help simplify your life and make technology work for you.

1. Automate Everyday Tasks with Smart Apps

One of the easiest ways to simplify life is by automating repetitive tasks. Kirsten recommends using productivity apps like IFTTT (If This Then That) and Zapier to connect different services and create automation workflows. For example, you can automatically save email attachments to Google Drive, receive weather updates before you leave home, or schedule social media posts in advance.

Another great tool is Google Assistant or Siri, which can help schedule meetings, send texts, or set reminders using just your voice. Kirsten emphasizes that automation saves time and mental energy, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.

2. Organize Digital Clutter for Efficiency

A cluttered digital space can be just as stressful as a messy physical one. Kirsten advises people to clean up their digital devices regularly. Start by decluttering your email inbox using tools like Unroll.Me to unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and use filters to sort messages. For files, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox can help keep documents organized and easily accessible.

For your smartphone, deleting unused apps and organizing icons into folders can make navigation quicker. Kirsten also recommends using password managers like LastPass or 1Password to securely store login details, avoiding the hassle of remembering multiple passwords.

3. Enhance Online Security with Simple Steps

Cybersecurity is a major concern, and Kirsten stresses the importance of taking a few precautions to stay safe online. One of her top tips is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts, adding an extra layer of security. She also advises using unique passwords for different sites to prevent data breaches from compromising multiple accounts.

Additionally, Kirsten highlights the importance of keeping software and apps updated to protect against security vulnerabilities. A simple yet effective trick is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing public Wi-Fi to prevent hackers from intercepting personal data.

4. Use AI and Smart Features for Daily Convenience

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more accessible, and Kirsten suggests taking advantage of its capabilities to simplify daily tasks. Smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Nest can help manage household routines, from setting reminders to controlling smart lights.

For work, AI-powered tools like Grammarly for writing assistance and Notion for project management can improve efficiency. Kirsten believes embracing AI can make everyday activities smoother, allowing people to focus on things that truly matter.

Final Thoughts

Technology should be a tool that works for you, not something that causes stress. By automating tasks, decluttering digital spaces, improving security, and leveraging AI, Kirsten Poon’s tech hacks can make life easier and more efficient. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone looking to simplify daily routines, these tips can help you take control of your tech and use it to your advantage.