How to manage notes using Apple notes
Digital decluttering, part of the broader minimalist movement, has emerged as a response to the overwhelming digital clutter from constant device usage and information overload. The practice aims to simplify digital life, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Approaches to digital decluttering include:
- Organizing files.
- Unsubscribing from unnecessary email lists.
- Deleting unused apps.
- Setting limits on screen time.
- Organize Notes into Folders: Create folders for one or multiple years (e.g., 2024-2026) with only four subfolders for projects, knowledge, journals, and contacts. This simple folder structure is enough to organize all your notes. Since we organize folders based on years, notes can be easily archived.. Name projects and journals with the date and name (e.g., "2024-08-05 Tea Time Chat") so they are ordered chronologically when sorted by title.
- Delete Unnecessary Notes: Review your notes regularly and delete those that are outdated or no longer relevant. This will reduce clutter and keep your notes app streamlined.
- Use Tags: Apple Notes allows you to tag notes with keywords. Utilize tags for easy searching and grouping of related notes across different folders. For example, use "#Idea" to track all your great ideas and tags like "#Exercise" and "#Water" to track habits
- Merge Similar Notes: Combine notes with similar content into one comprehensive note. This reduces the number of notes and consolidates information.
- Utilize Checklists: Convert lists into checklists to make your notes actionable, such as incorporating a bullet journal or adding an action to update content later.
Resources
- S. J. Scott, Barrie Davenport,10-Minute Digital Declutter: The Simple Habit to Eliminate Technology Overload, 2015
