In a generation where being plugged in is the norm, it is no surprise that the average time adults over 18 and above spend almost three hours per day on their phone. The time is even higher for you adults, some of who spend nearly five hours a day on apps. The idea of having an app to stop you from using other apps is somewhat counterintuitive- shouldn’t one just keep their phone away altogether?
Smartphones are a part of our lives, and useful interactions do happen because of it. To minimize one’s usage and only stick to the essential, here are three apps that could help even a Hamilton math tutor do just that.
FOREST
This app is perfect for people who phub; that is when one chooses their phone over interacting with another person. It works by getting you to stop phubbing and take periods of time away from your phone. As the word implies, you do so by planting trees. Depending on the time you set, anything between 10 to 120 minutes, trees grow, but there is a catch. Exiting the app kills the plant. The more time you focus, the lusher your forest becomes.
You get stats on your focus time, a tool that’s helpful if you want to measure your productivity. Forest is also somewhat of a game- you earn points for each tree planted, which you can use to unlock new species.
OFFTIME
Have you ever picked up your phone to check an important text message, and after responding, you found yourself checking notifications from other social media apps? Offtime essentially helps you block applications that’ll distract you when you’re trying to get something done. You’re able to set a period where you can choose what’s important and what needs blocking. One can opt to set time periods, like when at work or night, and the app kicks in at the same time every day.
The customization option gives you the liberty to block notifications, calls or texts while still allowing others who can get through to you like a parent or someone needing care. Offtime also provides analytics on phone usages; what you are doing, when and for how long. That better equips you to change your habits.
Pomodoro Technique apps
The technique behind this app got invented by Francesco Cirillo, an Italian student. The basic concept is to focus intensely on a task for 25 minutes and taking a five-minute break after. After four focus blocks, you take a longer 15-20 minute break. It helps ward off mental fatigue when working, leaving you fresh to work for more hours during the day.
There are plenty to choose from such as Focus Booster, PomoDone, Pomodoro Keeper, Clear Focus Marinara Timer, Tomato Timer and Pomodoro Time Pro. These are only a few; check your app store for what works best for you.
