Technology can be a terrible distraction when you're trying to work. We've all experienced the feeling of sitting at our desk, then being distracted by our phone and all the temptations it brings.
But if technology isn't just the villain, it can also play the hero by helping you focus. From focus apps that help you schedule your work time in chunks, to blockers and to-do lists, there are many tools to help you stay focused in situations where it matters.
Here are the 7 best concentration apps for Android.
Focus To-Do has a whole suite of functions to help you stay focused. The app's core feature is the Pomodoro timer, which you can use to work in 25-minute intervals. After that time is up, you will have a 5-minute break. This makes it easier to focus on a task for short periods of time and know that you'll soon get a break, so any task doesn't feel too heavy.
Engross is also inspired by the Pomodoro technique, but with a twist. When you use the timer, the app has a button Hit me when you are distractedthis button will show you encouraging messages. This app challenges you to reduce the number of times you press that button. The app also has a to-do list function and an event and schedule function to help you stay organized.
Brain Focus is a simple Pomodoro app that also encourages you to work in 25-minute bursts. The app has a simple interface that makes it easy to not get distracted.
You start by starting a session. Then, when you need a break, you press the button Break and go for a walk or make coffee. Then go back and start a new session. After completing 4 sessions, the app will remind you to take a longer rest.
Freedom is one of the most popular distraction blocking apps that you can use to avoid getting caught up in time wasters like games or social media. This app has a very comprehensive blocking strategy, listing several categories of apps and websites that you can block with just one tap. Of course, you can also choose any apps you want to block directly from your phone.
Freedom is cross-platform and supports syncing of all settings across all your devices. Try it out with the 7 blocking sessions offered in the free trial.
If you're looking for something fun and different, try Forest. When you want to focus on a task, you “plant a tree”. As you work, it will grow from a seedling into a large tree. The tree will then continue to grow taller as you progress without distractions. But if you switch to another application, the tree will die. This makes you not want to play on your phone when you have to work.
Space is a great focus app. You can set goals for how much time you want to focus each day and track your daily progress. Other tools include blocking apps and notifications, dimming the screen to make the phone less appealing, and getting reminders to stay on track.
There are also profiles for different types of users – whether you're easily distracted wanting to see the latest news headlines or someone who wants to keep up with what your friends are doing on social networks. You can customize how the app works to overcome your distractions.
If you have difficulty concentrating and are looking for a more permanent solution, you may want to consider meditation. Regular meditation can help you feel peaceful and live more fully. This can help you stay away from distractions.
Headspace is a popular meditation app that offers guided meditation, breathing, and calmness courses. Using this app before going to bed or as soon as you wake up can help you put aside all your worries and focus on what you need to do.
The free version of the app includes 10 basic sessions, but for the full experience, you'll need to purchase a subscription.
