Hotkeys, also known as keyboard shortcuts, are combinations of keys that provide an alternate way to perform a task that would typically require a mouse or touchpad. They can help you work more efficiently and save time by reducing the time it takes to perform certain tasks.

For example, instead of using a mouse to copy and paste text, you can use the keyboard shortcuts “Ctrl+C” and “Ctrl+V” respectively.

This can save you a few seconds each time you perform the task, which can add up to a significant amount of time over the course of a day or week.

According to a study by BrainScape, using keyboard shortcuts can save you up to 8 entire workdays per year, which is equivalent to 3.3% of your total productivity.

Assuming an average workday of 8 hours, this translates to approximately 64 hours per year.

If you use one keyboard shortcut per working hour, you could potentially save yourself a few seconds each time you perform the task. Over the course of a year, this could add up to a significant amount of time saved.

However, the exact amount of time saved would depend on the specific tasks you perform and the keyboard shortcuts you use.

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to increase productivity and save time while working on a computer. They allow you to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently than using a mouse or touchpad. Some of the benefits of using keyboard shortcuts include:
• Speed: Keyboard shortcuts can help you work faster by reducing the time it takes to perform certain tasks.
• Efficiency: They can help you work more efficiently by allowing you to do multiple tasks at once.
• Ease of use: Once you learn the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts, they become second nature and you don’t have to think about them.
• Reduced strain: Using keyboard shortcuts can reduce the strain on your hands and wrists that can be caused by using a mouse or touchpad for extended periods of time.

The benefits of using hot keys can become noticeable quite swiftly, especially if you consistently incorporate them into your daily tasks. Here’s a rough timeline:

1. Immediate Impact: As soon as you start using hot keys, you’ll notice small time savings. Actions that previously required multiple mouse clicks or menu navigation become quicker with keyboard shortcuts.
2. Within a Week: After a few days of regular practice, you’ll find yourself relying on certain hot keys instinctively. This familiarity speeds up your workflow and reduces the cognitive load of remembering where specific functions are located in menus.
3. Two to Three Weeks: By this point, you’ll likely experience a significant increase in efficiency. Tasks that used to take longer will now be accomplished swiftly. You’ll appreciate the seamless transitions between different applications and actions.
4. Long-Term Benefits: Over the long term, using hot keys consistently contributes to better muscle memory. Your fingers will automatically reach for the right shortcuts without conscious effort. This leads to improved productivity and reduced strain on your wrists and fingers.

Remember that the exact timeline varies based on individual learning speed and the complexity of the software you’re using. The more you practice, the sooner you’ll reap the rewards!