The Oklahoman

Digital spring-cleaning tips for a new normal life

- StatePoint

Last year, when the pandemic suddenly shut down our everyday lives and for many of us, pushed them into tiny, isolated spaces, we had to adapt.

Fast forward one year later, and a lot has changed. Now, as the world slowly starts to open back up, it’s time to get a jump start on a new normal routine.

Here are some spring-cleaning tips fueled by your smartphone and the latest apps to help you smoothly shift into in-person life.

Make a fresh start at the (home) office

Research shows that your remote office space may be dirtier and more disruptive to your overall health than work offices. Spring cleaning your workspace and home can be easily done with apps like Spotless and Clean My House.

The apps, which offer tools to help schedule chores, create cleaning checklists and organize spaces in your home, are guaranteed to increase productivi­ty and make clutter a distant memory.

If your temporary work-from-home status is now permanent, it may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your remote connectivi­ty needs. Wireless provider T-Mobile provides home internet service that makes use of the same great 5G network your smartphone runs on to help you thrive in a remote environmen­t.

Tackle the COVID-19 weight gain

Recent research has shown that most Americans experience­d weight gain during the pandemic. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Associatio­n, Americans gained an average of 7.08 pounds between February and June 2020.

Luckily, your smartphone can help you prioritize your fitness goals. Apps like Nike Training Club, SWEAT, Happy Scale and MyFitnessP­al will motivate you to re-enter the world with confidence.

Clean out your quarantine closet

Quarantine life may have left your closets full of comfortabl­e lounge wear – or perhaps an excessive amount of unworn profession­al clothing.

Donating your unwanted clothing with apps like Lugg allows you to schedule donation pick-ups from the convenienc­e of your home. And apps like reGAIN offer incentives to clear your closets – providing exclusive discount coupons for donating unwanted clothing items to charity.

Prepare your pets

Whether you’re heading back to the office, resuming your weekly happy hour book club, or finally taking that reschedule­d vacation, your pets are going to be spending more time alone compared to early pandemic days.

Apps like Dog Monitor and PetCam can help you monitor your best friend and ensure they are safe and happy.

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