The number of apps to improve focus and productivity is increasing. We decided to test some of them to evaluate their effectiveness.
It’s been a while since we’ve immersed ourselves in the productivity apps world, which we like to rebrand “for themselves.” In a previous article we focused on how they are already an indication of the need to return to the present, and reviewed a couple of the most well-known applications.
Since then, our research has continued, discovering the existence of a vast panorama of specific, different, sometimes decidedly unusual solutions, but all united by the same goal: to reduce the screen time to recover energy.
After trying out different apps, here is a selection of tools that excel in different aspects.
Opal
Opal stands out as a top-tier app for those immersed in the Apple ecosystem, targeting iPhone and Mac users specifically. It’s particularly effective in creating distraction-free environments, whether at home or at work, with features such as blocking apps and websites, focus sessions, and detailed screen usage analytics.
One of the most interesting aspects of Opal is its approach. Users can earn “Focus Gems” for achieving milestones, providing a fun incentive to keep their goals alive through a gamification process.
Subscription plans for Opal start at $8.29/month with hefty student discounts.
Jomo
Not only the opposite of Fomo, but also a useful app. Jomo, available only for Mac and iOS, is designed to support healthier habits through features such as app locking, focus timers and the innovative “Screen Time Diary”. This feature allows users to reflect on their phone use and its impact on their mood, helping to understand and effectively change habits.
Jomo also promotes community engagement with challenges between friends or colleagues. While the basic version of Jomo is free, there is a more feature-rich Jomo Plus version available for a fee.
Minimalist Phone
Minimalist Phone turns Android devices into streamlined tools that discourage use. By replacing conventional home screens with a minimalist one and allowing only essential apps, it encourages users to think critically about what they really need.
The app includes features for setting reminders about app usage and filtering notifications, ideal for those who are determined to break the habit of checking phones. Minimalist Phone offers a trial period followed by a modest subscription or a one-time purchase option.
ScreenZen
ScreenZen addresses one of the most common problems of our present: the excessive use of social media. Designed to combat “zombie checks”, ScreenZen helps to become more aware of use of our device. The app allows to customize pause times before opening apps, thus helping to stop compulsive checking.
Features such as setting a delay before app activating, blocking after a certain period, and limiting daily opens are geared towards those who seriously want to reduce their time on social media.
ScreenZen is free to use, although it does offer in-app purchases for extended features.
StayFocusd
Although it’s not an app but a Chrome extension, StayFocusd is perfect for those who are frequently distracted by certain websites. It allows users to limit the time spent on specific sites and to block content at different levels, such as subdomains or specific page elements.
Its flexibility in customization makes it a powerful tool for improving concentration without leaving the browser environment.
StayFocusd is completely free and can be added directly to Google Chrome
An answer to every need
Screens are fundamental in our everyday lives. It is therefore essential to understand when disconnecting to keep the focus on our well-being. These apps are valuable tools that help manage us, limiting distractions and promoting healthier habits.
The process of awareness passes first of all from a deeper reflection that involves our body-mind system. At Digital Detox Design we help individuals and groups to reconnect with the present and live in a more balanced way.