I have a habit of ruining my experience with an app I enjoy using by slowly trying to make it do things it was not meant to do.

I think I’m getting better at reminding myself of this before I get myself in trouble.

Still a long way to go.

I created a Working Memory file that I’ll use throughout the day. I learned this from Cal Newport, although I’m sure he didn’t invent the idea.

The idea is to have a single text file open all day that you use to write all of your notes, today’s tasks, etc. Similar to a Daily Note available in some applications, like Roam Research, Logseq, or Obsidian, except this file persists from day to day.

I clean up the file daily, move tasks to my task system, and save important notes into my note application. My Working Memory file also has a list of active projects with the current status that I keep up to date, as well as a short list of things I want to remember.

The purpose is not to jump in and out of applications all day, which is one of my struggles.

I’m on Windows (for work), and Notepad was too basic; I tried iAWriter, but while I like writing with Markdown, I don’t want to see the Markdown. Now, I’m trying Typora, which uses Markdown, but with a live preview.

So far, I love this approach. It keeps everything within easy reach and forces me to review every day.

As we all know, staring at a screen causes eye strain. When you do this too long and too often, your eyes may not recover. This eye strain is often called computer vision syndrome (CVS) and can cause headaches, fatigue, dry eyes, and long-term damage.

What is the 20–20–20 Rule?

Every 20 minutes you spend using a screen, look away at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 20 feet for 20 seconds is the optimal distance and time to allow your eyes to relax.

How to do it

• Set a timer for 20 minutes.
• When the timer goes off, look away from your screen and at something for 20 seconds.
• Repeat.

What can we do for 20 seconds?

20 seconds is not very long. But there are some healthy things we can do during this time.

• Continue thinking about what you are working on without losing focus. I’ve found that stepping away for a few seconds can help me think through a problem.
• Stretch your body.
• Do some burpees or something to get the blood flowing.
• Take a drink of water.
• A time check is helpful when you lose focus on a particular task. Are you spending too much time? Do you need to wrap things up?

Additional Reading

• Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain
• Computer vision syndrome: a study of knowledge and practices in university students