The internet provides us with so many distractions, it can be hard to get anything done. It’s not just about the apps, though. There are plenty of ways that websites and browsers can distract you from your work. Luckily, there are programs out there that can help block those distractions so you can stay focused on what matters most.
Apps can be a huge trick for distraction. You might spend hours mindlessly scrolling without realizing it. And even when you do realize it, you keep doing it anyway. Apps are also addictive—they’re designed to keep you coming back again and again.
Apps can cost you money! If you pay for an app or game that turns out not to work for you (or only works for six months before getting stale), then that’s money down the drain. App use up data and battery life on your phone or laptop, and that costs money too.
Block Distractions in Your Browser
When you’re trying to get work done, you may want to block out distractions on your phone, computer and even in your browser. For example, if you like listening to music while working but find it distracting when there are ads playing between songs, create an ad-free playlist using a program like Pandora Premium or Apple Music. These apps allow you to listen to music without the distraction that comes with commercials.
Then use that distraction-free playlist as background noise when writing or drawing on your computer. This will keep the sound of ads at bay and help you focus on what matters most: creating something new!
App Blockers
App blockers are a great way to keep yourself focused on your work. When you feel like you’re being distracted, it can be tempting to just check out Twitter or browse through Buzzfeed for a few minutes before getting back to work. But this is where app blockers come into play. App blockers tell your phone not to let you access certain apps for an allotted period of time or until you finish a task. You can set up these rules based on the number of hours in a day, or for specific events (like before an important meeting).
Here are some of our favorite distraction-blocking apps to help you stay focused!
FocusMe
FocusMe is an app that can be used to block distracting websites and apps, helping you stay on task. The app has a variety of options for customization: you can set your own sites/apps as blocked, or use the pre-built lists.
The focus timer function is especially useful when trying to stay focused at work or school. It keeps track of how much time you’ve spent working without being distracted by the clock. It also makes it easy to keep track of breaks (which are important!)
Freedom
Freedom is a Google Chrome extension that blocks specific sites for a set amount of time. Use it to block distractions while working or studying, or while you are on social networks. You can also use it to block distractions when gaming. Most distraction blockers work only on whatever device you’re using right now. But Freedom can block distractions on all of your devices simultaneously. While using Freedom, your distractions are blocked everywhere.
RescueTime
RescueTime is a distraction blocker and a time-tracking app. It includes a distraction-blocking feature called Focus Session, so you can block distractions while using your time-tracking history.
Cold Turkey
Cold Turkey is a customizable app to help you block out distractions. This site-blocking app enables you to create lists of websites and desktop apps to block, then set a schedule for blocking. For example, you can block social media and video sites during every work day and block work apps, like Slack, when the work day ends.
There’s even a mode called Frozen Turkey, which prevents you from accessing your computer entirely. If you turn on Frozen Turkey, you won’t be able to log in to your computer without it locking again.
Get Help With Your Focus
Shiny object syndrome is real, and sometimes we need a little bit of help when it comes to staying on track and focused.
You can set yourself up for success by focusing on what matters, setting goals and tracking them, and making time for work without multitasking.
All of us need a little help staying focused. But that doesn’t mean you have to be enslaved by your devices and apps. There are many great options out there that can help keep you on track with your work, so it’s time to get started!