Applications for increased focus and productivity

Most of the applications in this list are built around a simple timer. Some are more complex, offering an interactive way to manage your time and be rewarded for good behavior. The application you choose depends on the desire of the application. It also depends on your level of self-management. Do you need extra help to stay focused? Would a rewards system help you or would it be a distraction?

We will present a variety of options, but in the end, it will be up to you to decide what will be most useful to you. We recommend that you try a few to determine what you are looking for. Keep in mind that the applications we have selected integrate mainly into the archetypes of a wide variety of applications, so if you are not satisfied, then hope that you will be able to discern what you want in order to find an application that matches your needs.

One of the most common techniques that people use to increase their productivity is called the Pomodoro Technique. This technique works by dividing your time into sessions called, well: "Pomodoro sessions". Each session lasts 25 minutes after which you are supposed to take a five-minute break. In addition, after a series of Pomodoro sessions, usually 4, you are supposed to take a longer break of 15 minutes. These breaks are meant not to burn you too fast. The use of Pomodoro sessions is a good way to introduce a structured schedule for your work day. And fortunately, there are a bunch of apps that can really help you implement the Pomodoro technique into your lifestyle.

Pomodoro Timer (Android)

Red Timer (iOS)

Red Timer is very similar to "Pomodoro Timer". It is just as simple – and free – allowing you to adjust settings for Pomodoro sessions and nothing else. There is not even a stats page, but it may be fine if you do not care about tracking your sessions.

BeFocused (iOS, macOS)

However, the full experience has a cost. If you want to sync between iOS and macOS, the main selling point of the application, you will have to buy Pro version on iOS and macOS separately . On iOS, the Pro version runs at $ 1.99, and the macOS version at $ 4.99, so it's a very high price for all the features, but if that's what you're looking for, this may be worth the cost.

Block applications – More productivity and concentration (Android)

With this application, you can configure "Blocks" with specified activation times, or you can activate one for a specified time whenever you want. Once you have activated a blocking, you will not be able to enter the specified applications. You will know that you have been stuck when trying to enter a restricted application and that a popup pops up with a clever quote. Oh, and the only way to unlock your applications while they are blocked is to restart your device or uninstall the application. And there is an option to prevent uninstallation by granting the system administrator privileges of the application: Be careful!

Although it is one of the best applications of the category of application blockers, it comes with a very fast paywall. You can only have three blocks at a time, so you will need to either delete them regularly or update to unlock infinite blocks. And if you want to block more than 6 apps at once, you will need to upgrade.

One of the features that distinguishes this app from the batch, is the inclusion of home screen widgets, but to access those you will need to pay. Fortunately, the app offers a range of payment options ranging from $ 2.99 to $ 8.99; and do not worry, they get rid of all ads and unlock all features.

AppDetox – Blocker Apps for Digital Detox (Android)

If you agree to sacrifice some of the intricacies of "Block" & # 39; Applications, but want to be free of any kind of paywall, so AppDetox may be a better choice for you.

The installation process is simple. Select the apps you want to detoxify, choose the conditions in which apps will be blocked, and click Create.

The application is divided into three tabs: Use of the application, Rules and Rule Break. You can use the first page to track apps that distract you easily. The second will display the rules currently in use – you can delete them by tapping a ruler, pressing the menu button in the upper right corner, and selecting Delete. Rule Breaks displays whenever you have violated the rules and tried to enter an application. And when you try to enter an app while it's being blocked, get ready to receive sbady notifications.

This is not perfect though. The rules are not grouped in Blocks, so starting a rule set takes a little longer. And sometimes you may be able to enter a blocked application if you have recently tried to open it. It can block your apps for a certain amount of time, or you can set specific times during the day, a number of launches, a specified time of use, an activity based or the most option. extreme: Always.

Flipd (Android, iOS)

With all the restrictions of iOS, the ability to block apps is not exactly approved by Apple. But Flipd is good in itself and even offers a workaround for the walls of Apple.

Upon entering the application, it will become obvious that this is for students, but really, it can be used for any purpose. Although it has presets for study, work and sleep, you can only set the timer for 30 minutes without paying for a subscription. The purchase of a subscription will unlock the entire range of the timer, will allow you to join premium groups with friends, will allow the creation of multiple Flipd schedules, and will give you access to a statistics page to keep a trace of your Flipd history

Flipd does not really allow you to block applications – the most it will let you do is set a timer that self-destructs if you quit the application too long. But if you really want to block applications, then there is a way. Disclaimer: This is an extremely risky territory not endorsed by Apple; If things do not work, you may need to reset your device, which could result in data loss. proceed with caution.

You probably noticed that we were only talking about Flipd on iOS. As for using it on Android, there are more powerful options that are not so restrictive in terms of paywall. But if you agree with the 30-minute time restriction, then using Flipd might be ideal. Full Lock is definitely the most complete blocking solution we can find on both platforms. And on Android, engaging Full Lock is as easy as giving permission to Flipd for access to usage data. When your Android device is in Full Lock mode, you only have access to the most basic applications, such as the phone and the calculator. The only way out in Full Lock mode is to restart your device.

Forest (Android, iOS)

Forest is one of the most fun applications of this list. His premise is quite simple. You start the application, set a timer, and then work while your tree is growing. If you are distracted by your phone, the tree dies. Each time you complete a session, the tree (including dead trees) will appear in your personal forest. The forest is a visual way to keep track of all your sessions and you can tap individual trees to see what you have done to grow it.

Ending a session and earning winnings will give you coins that you can use in the integrated store. With them you can buy new types of trees, shrubs and flowers to grow in your forest. You can also use coins, or watch an ad, to remove dead trees from your forest. The idea is that if you are really dedicated to maintaining a healthy forest, you will avoid adding dead trees or paying the price to remove them.

On Android, Forest is free but has many limitations. Paying the $ 1.99 upgrade fee allows you to: sync devices, compete with other forest users, Achievement system, manage your own tags, and view your forest, allowing you to browse your daily life, weekly, monthly and annual forest. Also disabled in the free version is the comforting feature that allows you to spend your accumulated coins on planting a real tree in Africa. Being focused really helps save the planet … Wow! Oh, and there are pubs. On iOS, there is no free version; the application costs $ 1.99, but all features are included.

Flora – Focus, Study, Pomodoro (iOS)

Flora is similar to Forest, but it is only available on iOS and, unlike Forest, is free to download. While the concept is similar, Flora allows you to increase the stakes by putting real money if your tree dies. The product of your dead trees (read: unfinished tasks) goes to planting real trees in Africa. Until now, Flora users have helped plant 7,431 trees at the time of writing this article.

Habitica: Gamify Your Tasks (Android, iOS)

If you've ever wished you could live your life as a video game (or if you already see life that way), then Habitica may just be Application you have

Starting Habitica will help you to create your avatar and learn the different features of the application, and to prepare you for a learning curve, as it There are many things to check.

Habitica organizes the application into a few different sections depending on the different types of tasks. The first page allows you to add habits that you are trying to reinforce or break. Tapping on the + or – icons at either end of the usual entry will give either your avatar experience points and additional health points or, conversely, deduct health points. of your avatar. This one really tests your motivation because you will have to hold yourself responsible. The goal is to keep your avatar healthy, so if you do not care about your well being, then it may not be the right application for you.

The next page is called Dailies. to reproduce with a specific frequency (daily, weekly, etc.). By checking the task for the day, you will get your avatar experience and your coins. If you do not check your Dailies, your Avatar will take damage.

On the third page, you can set tasks that do not happen again and will also give you experience and coins when completed.

With your accumulated coins, you can visit the Rewards tab and purchase new equipment and bonuses, such as health potions to heal your avatar if you do not complete the dailies, or if you do not manage correctly your habits.

But if you want to immerse yourself in a bigger customization, you will have to buy gems, which cost real money. Alternatively, if you buy a subscription, you will gain the opportunity to buy gems with coins, thus creating a solid conversion.

Upon reaching level 3, you will unlock the drop system that will give you a random chance to receive an egg, an incubation potion or a food item when you perform tasks. These eggs, when hatched, may reveal a mount or pet to accompany you on your journey.

Honestly, there are so many aspects to Habitica, including an entire social aspect, that you will learn it best by exploring it for yourself. By completing tasks and strolling through the application, you will discover a whole lot of interesting things to do.