Blogging Bites #42

​COACHING · RESOURCES · PAST TIPS · INSTAGRAM​

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Good morning, Reader!

How do you stay productive throughout the day? Today I want to share 5 apps I've tried that help reduce distractions and increase productivity! 🌟

I currently only use 3 of them (#5 is my fave), but I thought I'd share them all just in case they work for you 😊

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1. Freedom

Freedom lets you add specific apps, websites, etc. to a blocklist. It'll then block you from accessing anything on your blocklist during a timed focus session.

I tried this a few times on my computer but during a workflow I'd realize I accidentally blocked something I needed to use and then couldn't access it until the time was up, so I didn't stick with it. If I had created better blocklists for each batch of work, I think I would've liked this one more. Might give it another try someday!

Try Freedom

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2. One Sec

Similar to Freedom, the One Sec app prevents you from opening distracting apps. However, rather than completely blocking the app, when you click to open it, a screen pops up telling you to take a deep breath and then asks if you're sure you want to open it. It's a more mindful way of preventing distractions.

I tried this on my phone for a while but it just didn't really stick.

Try One Sec

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3. Brain.fm

Brain.fm lets you choose an intention or activity and then it continuously plays music that helps keep you focused. They take a science-first approach by playing music that's meant to stimulate specific parts of your brain.

I just got this one and I really like it! Chris used it for a long time and I always enjoyed listening in with him (but now he just listens to Four Tet 😂).

Try Brain.fm (free 30-day referral)

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4. News Feed Eradicator

News Feed Eradicator is a free Chrome extension that shows an inspirational quote in place of your social news feed.

I love this tool! It prevents me from getting distracted by my feed when I log into Facebook to check food blogging groups or DMs on Instagram. The quotes rotate so there's always a new set of motivational words!

Get News Feed Eradicator

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5. Forest

Lastly but certainly not least - the Forest app! This app keeps you off your phone while growing a virtual forest. You can set a specific time you'd like to focus for and then it'll show a tree growing on your screen. If you get distracted and open other apps while the tree's growing, it will die. Growing virtual trees earns you points that you can spend towards planting real trees!

This is one of my new favorites! When I enter a session, I lock my iPhone 14 and turn it on its side so that the Forest widget shows my tree growing as I work. It's fun watching my forest grow 😄 it lets you start with a few different plant options and you can continue to unlock more varieties!

Get Forest*

*add me as a friend on Forest with referral code 59FDY37SG

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What other productivity tools do you use? I'd love to hear if you try any of these and what you think! And I hope to see you on Forest 🌳🤗

Happy blogging!
-Kayla