Gemini has been my go-to AI tool because it helps me think things through without making decisions feel too complicated.

Now, choosing between gadgets, planning meals, sketching out workouts, or figuring out travel details does not involve opening multiple apps and cross-checking information.

Instead of bouncing between tabs and notes, I can work through decisions in one place, using Gemini to narrow options before I overthink them.

Illustration showing the Gemini logo at the center, surrounded by Gmail, Docs, restaurant, and Google travel icons.

Brainstorming ideas without overthinking them

A 3D brain surrounded by floating icons representing NotebookLM, Gemini, and Obsidian, set against a glowing blue and purple background.
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police

Here is where Gemini clicked for me.

Whenever I need to brainstorm, whether it’s rearranging a room, deciding where an appliance should go, or coming up with a new routine, my instinct is to open too many tabs and overwhelm myself with options.

Instead, I start by dumping context into Gemini. I’ll describe the space, the constraints, and what I’m trying to avoid.

For instance, while I was rethinking my desk setup, I provided details about the room size, location of power outlets, amount of natural light, and the issues I had with the current layout. I also uploaded a photo of the room.

The biggest win was how fast it narrowed my options. Instead of a dozen random layouts, I ended up with a few that worked with the room.

The key is that I don’t treat its suggestions as final. I use them as a starting point while brainstorming.

When brainstorming in Gemini, you can upload files, photos, or pull in documents directly from Google Drive and write your prompt alongside them.

It saves you from re-explaining context and helps Gemini give more relevant ideas right away.

Choosing gadgets without drowning in specs

Buying gadgets used to be where I lost the most time.

I’d start with a simple need: new earbuds, a router upgrade, or a backup phone. And yet, I would somehow end up comparing spec sheets at midnight, unsure if I was being careful or just overthinking it.

Now I start by telling Gemini what I actually care about, like how I’ll use the device, what annoyed me about the last one, and what I don’t want to deal with this time.

For me, battery anxiety, connection drops, and design matter more than raw numbers.

From there, it helps narrow the field quickly.

Instead of scrolling through endless comparisons, I get a list of options that fit my priorities, along with the trade-offs I should be aware of.

That’s usually enough to move forward.

I might still check a review or two, but I’m no longer stuck decoding spec jargon or second-guessing whether I missed something crucial.

Food planning when decision fatigue hits

Deciding what to eat is one of those small choices that feels harder when you’re already tired.

By the time evening rolls around, I’m usually out of mental energy, which is how I end up defaulting to the same meals or ordering something.

It is one area where Gemini has earned its keep.

I’ve already provided some context: my dietary restrictions, foods I like and actively avoid, and the pantry staples I usually stock. That way, I’m not starting from scratch every time I ask for ideas.

Saving that info was straightforward. I went to the Gemini website, opened Settings and help from the left sidebar, clicked Instructions for Gemini, selected Add, and entered my preferences there.

When I’m stuck, I’ll ask for a few dinner ideas based on what I already have or request a simple meal plan for the next couple of days.

That way, I’m choosing between a handful of realistic options, not scanning dozens of recipes and still feeling undecided.

It turns food planning into a quick decision instead of a daily drain on willpower, which is what I need on low-energy days.

Adjusting exercise routines

Workouts are another place where overthinking can derail the whole plan.

Some days I’m low on energy, or the idea of pushing through a session feels unrealistic.

Instead of skipping workouts altogether or forcing myself through something that doesn’t fit the day, I created a dedicated Gem just for workouts.

It already knows the program I follow, the weights I’m currently using, and the types of exercises I prefer.

When I open it, the first thing it does is ask a few simple questions: how my energy feels, whether anything hurts, how much time I actually have, and what kind of effort I’m aiming for.

From there, Gemini suggests a modified routine. On really low-energy days, it offers a shorter session focused on accessories or mobility.

The result is a realistic plan. And that’s usually enough to get me moving without turning exercise into another decision I put off.

To create a Gem, visit the Gemini website and open Gems from the left sidebar. Click + New Gem, give it a name, add the instructions, and click Save.

Here’s the prompt for the Gem:

You are helping me adjust my workout based on how I’m feeling today.

Context you already know:

[My regular workout routine and split]

[The weights I’m currently using]

[My general exercise preferences]

Before suggesting anything, ask me:

How my energy levels feel today (low/medium/good).

Whether anything hurts or feels off (for example: knee, lower back, shoulder).

How much time I realistically have.

Whether I want to train hard or go light.

Based on my answers:

Adjust my usual routine instead of replacing it.

Reduce volume or intensity if energy is low.

Swap exercises if something hurts.

Suggest alternatives, such as mobility work, lighter weights, or shorter sessions if needed.

After I set up the Gem, I open the Gemini app (or the website), tap Gems, select the Gem I created, and type something like start.

What I type doesn’t matter; the Gem already knows what to do.

It walks me through my exercise routine, asks a couple of quick questions about my energy level and time, and adjusts the workout accordingly.

a phone showing a chat with Google Gemini next to the Gemini logo

A simpler way to make decisions

Gemini removed a lot of the mental back-and-forth from everyday decisions.

By using it to narrow options and adjust plans instead of replacing them, I wasted less time overthinking my choices.

Whether it’s food, workouts, gadgets, or small planning decisions, the choice is usually resolved before it turns into a time sink.