Stay Focused! 3 Apps to Boost Your Productivity

Written By Natasha Lubansky, MA
 
 

In a world full of distractions, staying focused on tasks can feel like an uphill battle! Whether it's the ping of notifications or the lure of social media - or just pure boredom - we often lose precious time to constant interruptions. Luckily, there are apps out there that can help.

HERE ARE 3 OF THE BEST APPS TO HELP YOU FOCUS:

1. Forest: Grow Trees, Stay Focused!


Forest is a creative app that helps you stay focused by turning your work time into a fun challenge. Here’s how it works: you plant a virtual tree whenever you want to focus. As you stay on task, the tree grows! If you leave the app to check social media or get distracted, your tree sadly dies. Over time, you can grow an entire forest, visually representing your productivity streaks - it’s a great way to gamify your focus and stay productive!

Some helpful benefits:
- Encourages accountability with visual rewards.
- You can plant real trees through the app, contributing to environmental causes.
- Allows focus sessions with friends for shared productivity.


2. Focus@Will: Music for Productivity


Focus@Will combines neuroscience and music to create soundtracks specifically designed to improve focus. With genres like classical, ambient, and even ADHD-specific channels, the app tunes out distractions and helps you stay immersed in your work. You can adjust the intensity of the music to suit your mood or task.

Some helpful benefits:
- Music is scientifically proven to enhance concentration
- The timer features help you structure work and break periods
- Any songs included are designed to prevent lyrics and melodies from being too distracting

3. Freedom: Block Distractions Across Devices

If you’re prone to scrolling TikTok or endlessly checking emails, Freedom is your app. This app allows you to block distracting websites and apps across all your devices simultaneously. Set up custom blocklists or use the "Locked Mode" to prevent yourself from disabling the app mid-session.

Some helpful benefits:
- You can pre-schedule focus sessions to align with your routine.
- Helps create long-term digital habits by limiting screen time.
- Whether you’re battling procrastination or trying to build better habits, these apps offer practical solutions to help you stay focused.

Natasha Lubansky, MA

With professional experience in community mental health centers and outpatient mental health clinics, Natasha has assisted individuals with various DSM-V diagnoses, including anxiety, depressive, bipolar, and personality disorders. Her experience includes assisting adult clients in identifying, setting, and working towards life planning and educational/employment goals.

In her work, Natasha uses a holistic, strengths-based approach, specifically using clients’ strengths to address challenges. She aims to assist others in discovering their aspirations, removing barriers to success, and taking small steps towards goals to create a more fulfilling life.

Working with individuals to develop competency in organization, time management, social skills, and managing stress, Natasha also has experience with children and teenagers with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. She utilizes individualized tools to improve thoughts, behaviors, and relationships in school and at home.

Natasha has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health.

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