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How Kindle helped me calm my ADHD brain?

Ever found yourself drowning in a sea of browser tabs? You know, when you've opened so many interesting articles but then end up closing the window and losing them all? Or maybe you start feeling that intense fear of missing out (FOMO), which leads you to read each article one by one. It's like you can't help it. Believe me, I've been in that exact same boat. It's overwhelming, isn't it?


Every moment, there's something new: articles, blog posts, and news stories all fighting for our attention. On platforms like LinkedIn, it's especially hard to resist. They constantly show us interesting stuff linked to what we like or what we do for work. It's like being in a candy shop, but for your brain. You want to read everything because it all seems important or too good to miss out on. This is where the struggle starts.


We all have just 24 hours in a day, and most of that time is already packed with things to do. So, the big question is, how do we keep up with this flood of information without letting it take over our lives? How do we stop ourselves from opening too many tabs that we'll never get around to reading? Or worse, how do we avoid the trap of jumping from one article to another, driven by the fear of missing out on something important, and end up wasting hours that could have been used more productively?


This constant tug-of-war between wanting to stay informed and needing to focus on our work or personal life creates a kind of pressure that's hard to shake off. Every unread article feels like a missed opportunity or a gap in our knowledge. And when we try to catch up, it's easy to fall into the cycle of reading without really absorbing, just skimming through to feel like we're keeping up. It's a modern dilemma that seems to have no easy solution.

The struggle is real, and I've been there myself. At work, I would come across intriguing articles shared on LinkedIn, opening tab after tab with the genuine intention of reading them. Yet, inevitably, I found myself caught in one of two traps: either forgetting about these tabs altogether or, in a desperate bid to conquer FOMO, reading them immediately. The latter, while momentarily satisfying, often led to a significant dip in productivity as my focus shifted away from my immediate tasks.


However, I stumbled upon a simple yet effective solution to this dilemma, which has significantly improved how I consume online content without it overtaking my day: the Kindle's "Send to Kindle" browser extension. While this hack is optimally utilized with a Kindle device, it's worth noting that the Kindle app for smartphones offers a viable alternative, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this approach.


The Send to Kindle extension has been a game-changer for me managing my focus at work. Before discovering this tool, I found myself constantly distracted by a never-ending stream of interesting articles. Now, with just a click, I can send these pieces directly to my Kindle to read at my leisure. This simple shift has allowed me to maintain my concentration during work hours, safe in the knowledge that I won’t miss out on anything truly important. Interestingly, I've noticed that by the time I get around to reading some of these articles, most of them turn out to be outdated and not as relevant as they seemed at first. This realization was eye-opening and reaffirmed that not everything demands immediate attention.


Why Kindle?


Before diving into the mechanics of how to send articles to Kindle, it's worth pondering why choose Kindle in the first place, especially in a world teeming with "Read Later" apps. For me, the answer lies in Kindle's inherent design philosophy. Despite being a decade-old technology, Kindle continues to thrive, largely because it fulfills its purpose without ensnaring users in the typical traps of digital distractions. Unlike smartphones and computers, which constantly vie for our attention with notifications and algorithmically curated content designed to hook us in, Kindle offers a sanctuary for focused reading. Its e-ink display mimics the printed page, reducing eye strain and creating an immersive reading experience devoid of the usual digital interruptions.


Moreover, consolidating my "to-read" list on Kindle allows me to allocate specific times for reading these articles, such as during travel or early weekend mornings. This not only helps in managing time more effectively but also ensures that my online reading does not encroach upon my work hours or personal time.


Top tip - be sure to sync your Kindle on Wi-Fi before jumping on a plane. I found myself too many times to open Kindle on the plane and notice that all the articles that I've sent were not synced.


Send to Kindle Chrome extension in action
Send to Kindle Chrome extension in action

How to Send Articles to Your Kindle


The process of sending articles to your Kindle is straightforward, enhancing the appeal of this hack. Here's a simplified guide:

  1. Install the Send to Kindle Extension: First, you need to install the "Send to Kindle" extension for your web browser. This extension is available for popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.

  2. Configure Your Send to Kindle Settings: After installation, take a moment to configure your settings. This usually involves linking the extension to your Amazon account and selecting your preferred Kindle device or app for receiving the documents.

  3. Send Articles with a Click: Once set up, sending articles to your Kindle is as easy as clicking the "Send to Kindle" icon in your browser's toolbar when you're on a page you want to read later. The extension will format the article, stripping away most ads and extraneous web design elements, and send it to your Kindle device or app.

  4. Read at Your Leisure: With the articles now on your Kindle, you can enjoy them at your convenience, free from the distractions of the internet. This method not only aids in managing your online reading but also significantly enhances the quality of your reading experience.



Sent article in iPhone's Kindle app
Sent article in iPhone's Kindle app


What if our smartphones were just like Kindle?



HyperDo Distraction Blocker settings
HyperDo Distraction Blocker settings

Imagine if our smartphones were designed with the simplicity and purposefulness of a Kindle, serving us without constantly demanding our attention. The current landscape of smartphone applications often presents a dichotomy between productivity and distraction. While some apps are geared towards enhancing our efficiency and aiding in various tasks, others transform our devices into what feels like endless doomscrolling rabbit holes.



That's where HyperDo can help. Functioning as a digital gatekeeper, HyperDo empowers users to "Kindlify" their iPhones, allowing them to block distracting apps and selectively open only those essential for the immediate task at hand. This strategic approach not only curtails the temptation to mindlessly scroll through time-consuming and non-productive applications but also fosters an environment where the smartphone becomes a tool serving us with purpose rather than a constant source of interruption. The quest for a more mindful and deliberate digital experience finds an ally in HyperDo, reshaping the narrative of smartphone usage towards one that aligns with our goals and priorities.


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