Let’s face it – we can have a plethora of upcoming deadlines, yet we can always find time to scroll on our phones. Performing a simple task can take up to three times as long just because of having our phones easily at reach or having disruptive notifications enabled. But how do we keep ourselves from procrastinating with our digital devices, when many of us rely on them to get our jobs done?
There’s no doubt that social media can be heavily addicting. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, whatever your choice of poison is, it can be hard to disconnect. When we feel overwhelmed with certain tasks, we try to find comfort in escaping by browsing posts and funny memes.
Although social media can provide us with some solid entertainment, it can also keep us from getting time-sensitive projects done. It’s time to get proactive about our productivity and time management – and welcome some new apps into our lives!
Now, we aren’t talking about the apps that we put on the kids’ iPads to control their screen time. This isn’t some sort of parental control. These applications are much more sophisticated and are designed to keep you focused and in control.
Just as a disclaimer – we are not in any way affiliated with these applications. These are applications we have tested ourselves and would recommend to anyone trying to cut back on their screen time and build better discipline.
When we assessed these applications, we took the following into consideration:
- Does it block a list of websites and/or apps of our choosing?
- Does it allow us to set a schedule and/or a timer?
- Does it keep us on track and offer encouragement?
Freedom – After its free trial, this application costs about $6.99 a month. Freedom can easily block both websites and apps on any device of your choice. Once you begin a session, your distractions are blocked everywhere!
Forest – This application’s desktop version is free and charges a one-time $1.99 for mobile devices. This is how it works: you open the application and say you want to plant a tree. You then proceed to put your phone down and work. However, once you open your phone and try to open another app, your tree dies. Over time, that single tree turns into a forest of trees – reminding you of your focus time. If you use a paid version of the application, your focus time can help fund real trees via a partnership with Trees For the Future.
LeechBlock – This one is free! It allows you to make lists of sites to block, then restricts them in ways to keep you uninterrupted. For example, scheduling block times, limiting screen time on certain apps, or trigger “lock-down” schedules. While LeechBlock is convenient, it is technically a site extension, meaning it will not automatically roll over onto different browsers as you toggle between them.
All in all, these apps should serve the purpose of helping you build better time management behavior and discipline. Although not all of them are free, look at it as an investment for helping you stay on track with an upcoming big project or getting closer to your goals. Once you feel more productive and that the applications are no longer necessary – feel free to cancel them.
At the end of the day – you are in control of your life, not social media. Don’t let the next notification keep you from moving forward with your day’s already busy itinerary. We all procrastinate from time to time, but thankfully, there are always ways to get back on track.