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Whether you’re managing projects on your own or collaborating with teams across time zones, the right digital tools can bring clarity and structure to your day. Below is a roundup of some of these tools, some for personal use, others for team collaboration, but all designed to help you work smarter, not harder.  1. Notion  Notion is a true all-in-one workspace. It combines the functionality of a note-taking app, task manager, database, and calendar into one highly customizable platform. Whether you’re planning your week, building a content calendar, or tracking personal goals, Notion’s sleek and minimalist interface makes organization feel more like a creative ritual than a chore. It’s perfect for anyone who values flexibility as well as aesthetics in equal measure.  2. Trello  But if you’re a visual thinker, Trello is a game-changer. Based on the Kanban System (a visual method for managing workflow), Trello uses boards, lists and cards that you can drag and drop as you move through tasks. It’s ideal for tracking multi-step projects such as article deadlines, event planning, or even meal prep.  3. Todoist  Todoist is the digital version of that perfectly satisfying paper checklist. Its clean, intuitive design makes task management feel simple and low-pressure. You can type in recurring tasks like “Submit a report every Friday at 3 PM” and let the app handle the scheduling for you. Its priority levels, reminders and integrations help ensure nothing slips through the cracks, even if you’re juggling a million things.  4. Obsidian  For those who want to go beyond task lists and build a deeper, more connected knowledge base, then Obsidian is ideal. It’s a powerful note-taking tool that turns your solitary ideas into a connected network by “linking your thinking.” This app is perfect for researchers and creatives who want their insights to grow organically over time. What makes Obsidian stand out is that it’s less about checkbox-style productivity and more about fostering reflection, clarity and retention.  5. ClickUp  ClickUp is a powerhouse for teams that have to manage complex workflows. It combines tasks, documents, goals, calendars and even time tracking into one collaborative space. You can switch between list views, kanban boards, Gantt charts (a project management tool that displays a project’s schedule as a horizontal bar chart) and more, depending on your team’s style. Its flexibility makes it suitable for everything from marketing campaigns to product launches.  6. Slack  Slack has become a staple for modern teams, offering real-time communication without the clutter of endless email threads. With easily creatable channels akin to Discord and quick access to group calls using the “Huddle” function, Slack supports strong team communication and organization.   7. Clockwise  Clockwise is a smart, AI-powered calendar designed to ensure your schedule accommodates both your tasks as well as dedicated time for deep focus and recovery. It effortlessly integrates with Google Calendar and syncs edits across your team(s) to reduce scheduling conflicts and improve collaboration. For organizations that prioritize collaborative work and want to support sustainable productivity, Clockwise is a simple tool that can make a real difference.  Amidst constant notifications and deadlines, staying organized can feel like its own full-time job. But with the right tools, you can actually enjoy the process and customize a workflow that works for you. After all, productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and the best system is the one you’ll actually use. 

If you’ve ever tried to get through a reading list, finish a report, or make progress on a big project, you’ll probably know this situation. Your mind is wandering, notifications pinging, browser tabs multiplying, and before you know it, hours have slipped by with little to show for it.  You are not alone. Research shows constant digital distractions severely disrupt attention. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who engage in frequent media multitasking are more easily distracted, struggle with sustained attention and perform worse on cognitive control tasks. In short, our brains were not built to handle non-stop digital alerts and multitasking.  The solution? Try a digital detox.   Photo courtesy: Freepik  What is a Digital Detox?  A digital detox requires one to step away from screens and digital devices for a set period of time. This intentional break gives your brain space to reset, reduce stress and help restore focus. It’s not about quitting technology entirely; it’s about learning to use it more mindfully.  In a world where smartphones and laptops are almost always within reach, taking intentional breaks can feel strange, or even stressful. But just like your phone battery needs to recharge, so does your brain.  Why a Digital Detox Works  Psychologists describe the struggle to focus while distracted as “attention residue.” When you switch between tasks or devices, part of your brain stays stuck on the last thing. This makes it hard to fully engage in your current task.  For example, if you check your messages while writing an essay, your brain doesn’t immediately forget those messages. Part of your attention lingers on the interruption, reducing your ability to concentrate fully.  A digital detox cuts attention residue by limiting interruptions and giving your brain a chance to rest. Research shows that even short breaks from screens improve concentration and reduce anxiety. A randomized trial published in BMC Medicine found that in just three weeks of cutting daily screen time to two hours or less stress, sleep quality and wellbeing in young adults significantly improved.   The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) also notes that high screen time, especially on social media, can contribute to anxiety and depression in youth.  How to Do a Digital Detox  Here are practical steps to try:  1. Schedule detox periods  Pick specific times to unplug each day. It could be one hour before studying or a full afternoon on weekends. Treat this time like a non-negotiable appointment.  Start small. Even 30 minutes away from screens can make a difference. Gradually increase your detox time as you get more comfortable.  2. Turn off notifications  Use “Do Not Disturb” modes or mute app alerts during detox times. This prevents distractions and breaks the habit of checking your phone constantly.  For example, many smartphones let you schedule “Focus modes” that block notifications from apps except ones labeled essential.  3. Use analog alternatives  Write to-do lists and notes by hand. Read print books instead of e-books. Spend time outdoors or with friends without screens.  Photo courtesy: Pexels (photo by Vincenzo Malagoli)  This helps your brain shift gears and reduces the addictive pull of digital devices. It has been shown that writing by hand enhances memory and understanding compared with typing. For example, a study published in Psychological Science found that students who took notes by hand performed better on conceptual questions than those who typed, even though they wrote less on paper.   4. Reflect with a distraction log  Keep a simple notebook where you record when you feel tempted to check devices and what triggers it. Awareness is the first step toward change.  Note what kinds of feelings or situations lead you to reach for your phone. Is it boredom? Stress? Habit? Once you identify triggers, you can plan healthier responses.  Here’s a simple distraction log you can try:  Time  Task Intended  Distraction  What pulled your attention?  How long were you distracted?  What can you do next time?              Use it for a day or two to spot your biggest focus challenges and watch how awareness itself helps you improve.  Real Students, Real Results  Many university students I spoke to have found a digital detox helps their focus and well-being. Abby, a 22-year-old student from Wilfrid Laurier University shared that, “I used to check my phone literally every five minutes. After trying a digital detox, I started getting more done and noticed I felt less anxious when I wasn’t checking my phone.”  Another Wilfrid Laurier University Student, Sofia, aged 20, said “Turning off notifications made a huge difference during exam season. I felt calmer and way less distracted. I was finally able to put my all into studying.”  I’ve even heard of some peers taking it further by creating “tech-free zones” in their homes, like bedrooms or study areas, to help build better habits.  You can tailor a digital detox to suit your lifestyle or your current needs. That’s the great thing about it.   Why Digital Detox Matters Now  We live in a tech-saturated world. The constant pull of digital devices makes focus a rare skill. Learning to step back and reset your attention protects your mental health and helps you perform better.  According to Statistics Canada, over 60 per cent of Canadians aged 15 to 34 say they feel dependent on their phone. Many also report negative emotional impacts from their screen use, such as feeling anxious, frustrated or depressed, as a result of their time online.  Taking a digital detox is not just about productivity. It’s about giving yourself space to breathe, think clearly and connect with the world around you, without screens pulling you in every direction. 

It was nine a.m. on a Monday morning when I sat at my desk in my room, eyes darting between three different Slack threads, my email inbox and an ever-refreshing Instagram feed. I reminded myself I’d start on that big presentation any minute now, right after just a quick scroll. Sound familiar?  If you’re like most people, you’ve been caught in this whirlwind of multitasking and nonstop work hours, all in the name of “being productive.”   But what if I told you this way of working might be your biggest productivity killer? Modern research continues to reveal that many of the productivity “truths” we’ve clung to for years are actually myths holding us back from doing our best work.   The good news? With smarter strategies and thoughtful use of technology, you can reclaim your focus and increase your energy, all without burning yourself out.  Let’s bust these myths one by one and reimagine what working smarter truly means.  Myth #1: Multitasking Boosts Your Output  Multitasking feels like a superpower. You’re juggling emails while brainstorming and hopping between Slack channels, convinced you’re maximizing every minute. But your brain tells a different story.  During a study, two cognitive scientists from the University of Michigan, Dr. David Meyer and Dr. Joshua Rubinstein, found that task-switching reduces productivity by as much as 40 per cent, because your brain needs time to refocus each time you change tasks. It’s not that you’re a bad multitasker, it’s that multitasking is a myth. And every distraction chips away at your focus, leading to mistakes and fatigue.  Research from the University of Illinois backs that up, estimating that constant task-switching costs office workers around two hours of productivity each day. That’s nearly a quarter of a workday lost to distraction.  Photo courtesy: Pexels (photo by Vlada Karpovich)   Myth #2: The More Hours You Work, The More You Get Done  If you think putting in longer hours will automatically lead to more output, you’re not alone. But there’s a limit, as this study from Stanford University shows that productivity per hour declines after about 50 hours of work per week. When employees work beyond this, quality and focus degrade.  Several forward-thinking workplaces have already begun experimenting with shorter workdays, yielding impressive outcomes. For example, when a Swedish Toyota centre in Gothenburg switched to a six-hour work day, they found that their company improved in multiple categories, from staff morale, turnover rate and even profits.  It’s not about working less because of laziness, but about working smarter, prioritizing quality over quantity. Research consistently shows that rest, sufficient sleep, regular exercise and breaks are crucial for maintaining focus and sustained productivity. For instance, a review published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights that well-being interventions in the workplace can increase productivity by up to 20 per cent by reducing stress and improving cognitive function.  Photo courtesy: Pexels (photo by cottonbro studio)   Myth #3: New Tools and AI Will Solve Your Productivity Problems  AI and productivity tools are incredible allies, but they’re just that: allies. It’s easy to imagine that the latest AI assistant or app will instantly transform your workday, and while tools like ChatGPT, Notion and Todoist can automate routine tasks, organize your schedule and even help brainstorm ideas, the real power comes when they enhance your unique creativity and strategic thinking.  As a recent Financial Times article highlights, AI shines at speeding up repetitive work, freeing up your mental space for higher-level problem-solving and innovation. Far from replacing human insight, AI serves as a force multiplier, helping you do more meaningful work in less time.  That said, it’s important to stay engaged and intentional. Some experts caution against overreliance, which can lead to “cognitive debt”, a phenomenon in which users end up spending extra effort reviewing AI outputs instead of thinking critically. But when used thoughtfully, AI becomes a trusted partner, amplifying your strengths and letting you focus on what matters most.  Myth #4: AI Means You Can Skip Building Good Work Habits  Some worry AI might let us cut corners on planning, discipline and focus, but the truth is quite the opposite. AI works best when paired with solid routines and clear goals, amplifying your skills rather than replacing them.  Take GitHub Copilot, for example, according to a study done by MIT, users completed coding tasks 55.8 per cent faster, but only because they already had strong coding knowledge and effective workflows to make the most of AI’s assistance. Similarly, a study from the University of Pennsylvania on AI-assisted writing allegedly found that users made the most progress when combining AI tools with structured practice and well-defined objectives.   On the flip side, a recent survey from UpWork found that 77 per cent of workers reported that AI increases their workload, mainly due to the time required to review and refine AI-generated content and adapt to new tools.   These findings highlight an important truth: AI is a powerful partner, but its full benefits come when you combine it with intentional habits, critical thinking, and continuous learning. When that happens, AI helps you work smarter, not harder.  What Could a Smarter Workday Look Like?  Imagine starting your day with a 90-minute block of focused, uninterrupted work on your highest priority project with no email and no Slack notifications. This technique, often called time blocking or “deep work,” is widely embraced by top executives, including leaders at Fortune 500 companies, to maximize focus and output.   In the middle of the morning, you could do two focused work sessions with a short walk in between to clear your mind and boost your energy.  By afternoon, you could use AI tools to batch-manage simple tasks, organizing your inbox and drafting routine emails while you prepare for your next big challenge.  As the day winds down, you could spend 10 minutes journaling about what worked well and what could improve, while AI-generated summaries help you organize tomorrow’s plan.  Final Thoughts: Working Smarter Isn’t Magic, It’s a Craft  It’s tempting to chase quick fixes, multitasking,

For many of us, life can feel like a never‑ending to-do list. In a world where digital demands and constant notifications dominate, it’s easy to slip into a state of fatigue and burnout, drained by too many obligations, too much information, and too little time for ourselves.  Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps up over time, fueled by long hours, blurred boundaries, and a culture that celebrates being busy. A recent review in Environment and Social Psychology found that excessive digital engagement is tied to mental and physical exhaustion, weaker job performance, and increased stress, which are clear markers of digital fatigue.   The good news? You can take back control. Which is why in this article, I’ll share simple, practical, time-tested and proven strategies to help you take back control, protect your focus, set real boundaries, and keep burnout from taking over.  Photo courtesy: Pexels (photo by Anna Tarazevich)  To help me unpack this topic, I spoke with Dr. Steve Joorden, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He pointed to a clear culprit behind modern burnout: the constant hijacking of our attention. “Our brains evolved to constantly scan the environment for threats,” he explains. “Every buzz or ping triggers a reflex – our minds say, ‘What was that? What was I doing?’ and we’re pulled away from focused thought.”  These constant interruptions mimic a survival response. What once signaled danger is now just another ping, but our brains haven’t caught up. The result? Chronic alertness, mental fatigue, and a body stuck in overdrive. “That’s what these apps kill us at,” Joordens notes. “They hijack our attention and bounce us out of cognitive space, the place where we can think deeply, creatively, and clearly.”  To combat this, Joordens recommends simple but powerful strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, which encourages working in distraction-free 20-25-minute blocks, followed by short breaks. “Most people have never experienced focused thought,” he says. “But when they turn everything off, really off, no notifications, they’re amazed at how much they get done.” Studies in cognitive psychology back this up and highlight that breaking work into manageable intervals can reduce mental fatigue and maintain motivation throughout the day. It also gives permission to step away from screens, rest, and refocus.  He also stresses the role of metacognitive awareness: the ability to notice our attention being pulled and to make conscious choices about how to respond. “If you reduce your notifications, you can control your addiction to some extent, and that’s empowering,” he says. “That shift from an external locus of control, where life just happens to me, to an internal one, where my actions matter, is what helps people feel less like victims and more in control.”  Burnout, Joordens argues, is a biological reality, not just a feeling. Drawing on the work of Hans Selye, he explains that stress originally evolved to protect us from immediate threats. The “fight or flight” response strengthens muscles, quickens the heartbeat, and helps us survive. But in today’s world, stressors are often chronic: a toxic boss, looming deadlines, or pandemic-related anxiety. These don’t go away after a short burst of action. “We end up stuck in that heightened state but without a way out, and that’s when we start to break down.”  Managing this means “flushing the system,” Joordens says. Activities like singing, laughing, socializing, or even watching a favourite show helps release oxytocin and replace stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. “It’s like flushing the toilet on those neurotransmitters,” he jokes. “You have to walk toward the things that bring you joy.”       A way to help with that is a strategy called Time‑blocking, which goes a step further by aligning your schedule with priorities. Time-blocking carves out dedicated blocks for deep work, meetings, and even rest, giving structure to an otherwise unpredictable day. When we respect these boundaries, we reduce the likelihood of burnout caused by decision fatigue and overcommitment.       Joordens is also exploring how AI tools could support well-being rather than add pressure. In his own courses, he’s developed “virtual me” office hours which are available 24/7, to help students when they have a question outside of regular office hours. But he cautions that tech must be designed thoughtfully: “Most people don’t realize how their attention is being hijacked. AI could help if it includes some education, monitoring, and nudging. Like, ‘Hey, are you still on task?’ It can guide people through reflection instead of just pushing productivity.”  These modern productivity platforms can optimize how we spend our time. Tools like Motion and Reclaim.ai can review your tasks and help build a daily routine that prioritizes both work and rest. Studies in human‑computer interaction suggest that these tools can reduce cognitive load by automating low‑priority decisions, allowing people to focus more deeply on work that truly matters.       Ultimately, Joordens sees this moment as a turning point. “We’re in a period of change,” he says. “The old models of education, work, and focus don’t fit anymore. But we can learn to take back control, and that’s a skill worth developing.”  The Importance of Boundaries  Whether digital or personal, boundaries are also vital for long‑term well‑being. Research has found that significantly reducing interruptions from notifications enhances performance and lowers mental strain. A recent field study found that minimizing notification-driven distractions significantly improved attention and reduced stress and frustration. Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no” to work, it’s about creating space for rest, focus, and the moments that truly matter.  Working Toward Sustainable Productivity  Burnout doesn’t have to be a life sentence. By making incremental changes to how you work and live, you can build resilience in a world that never truly turns off. Incorporating structured methods like Pomodoro and time‑blocking, leveraging AI tools for focus, and creating space for rest can transform how you approach work and life. These habits foster a sense of agency and balance, allowing you to pursue your passions without sacrificing your well‑being.  As Dr. Steve Joordens mentioned, regaining control over your attention by

Dress codes are an important part of ensuring employees uphold company standards. Businesses enforce different dress codes, often with company-specific variations, and navigating these different forms of attire can be confusing. Read ahead to learn about the most common dress codes and some tips to style a perfect, work-appropriate outfit. Business formal Business formal attire is considered the highest dress code standard for professional business settings. This dress code establishes a certain level of professionalism and reflects a company’s values. The basics of business formal attire include suits and skirts, modest outfits, neutral colours (like black, beige or navy blue) and a clean, well-kept appearance. Suits A two-piece suit consists of a jacket and pants or a skirt of the same material. Some suits also include pieces like a matching vest.  Tops Buttoned shirts and blouses are essential to business formal attire and easily coordinate with suits or other jackets, pants and skirts. In most cases, shirts should be accompanied by a tie. Blazers are individual jackets with no matching bottoms and can be paired with appropriate tops and bottoms to create a more customized look than a fully matching suit. Bottoms Dress pants are individual pants with no matching suit jacket. Like blazers, these can be matched with other suit elements or used to incorporate different colours for a contrasting look. When wearing skirts, they should be at least knee-length in most cases. Footwear Any dress shoe is acceptable but should be closed-toe and typically made of leather or faux leather. When wearing pants, try matching the shoe colour to the belt colour for a more polished look. Flats or heels are also acceptable for business formal attire, but heels should be no more than two inches. Business casual As the name suggests, business casual attire is more casual than business formal. Business casual allows for a more relaxed feel while still maintaining a level of professionalism. Aspects of formal wear, like modest outfits and neutral colours, still apply to business casual dress. Tops Dress shirts and blouses are still good options for business casual attire. Ties are often unnecessary but are typically still acceptable, especially if they are patterned for a more casual look. Other tops like sweaters, cardigans and turtlenecks offer a good balance between formal and casual. Jackets like blazers are appropriate but often not required for business casual attire. Bottoms There is more flexibility with business casual-appropriate pants compared to formal attire. Dress pants are still acceptable, but khakis, corduroys and some jeans are also good options. When choosing jeans, ensure they are still clean-looking and simple. A darker colour is advisable, and jeans should not be distressed or have patterns or other designs. Skirts shouldn’t touch the floor or be too short to function properly. A hemline at or slightly above the knee is advisable.  Footwear As with formal attire, shoes should be closed-toe for business casual. Shoes should still lean more toward formal, so sneakers and casual sandals aren’t advisable. Dress shoes, flats, loafers, heels and ankle-length boots are all appropriate options.      Casual Casual attire is not as casual as some may think and is not the same as streetwear, so a level of professionalism should still be maintained. Tops Any top acceptable for business casual will also work for casual attire. These include dress shirts, blouses, sweaters and turtlenecks. Shirts can have basic patterning, and casual attire sometimes allows t-shirts and sleeveless tops depending on company-specific policies. Outerwear like cardigans and light jackets are good options for casual attire, while hooded or zip-up sweaters are considered too informal for professional work environments. Bottoms Many styles of pants are acceptable for casual attire, including chinos, khakis, corduroys and jeans. Shorts and skirts are also appropriate but must be a suitable length as defined by the workplace.  Footwear Most closed-toed shoes are suitable for casual attire, like dress shoes, flats, heels or loafers. Sometimes, sneakers are acceptable, but they should be neutral in colour and not too flashy. Keep in mind that dress codes vary between businesses, so it is always best to check company policies to ensure your attire complies with corporate expectations. When in doubt, look to your coworkers to see how they dress. If this is not an option, lean more towards formal attire to be safe. You can also speak to someone from the human resources department who will have insight into these company policies. It’s important to follow the dress code outlined by your workplace but don’t be afraid to incorporate elements of your personality into your outfits when appropriate. You deserve to walk into work feeling comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, like yourself.