By Jack Zammit – Podcast/Tech Reviewer
In this wonderful (read: terrible) pandemic world we live in, we find ourselves hibernating, even languishing in our homes and dwellings, going outside for maybe a walk or masked mission to pick up groceries, with our jobs and schooling tied to our computers. In this stoppage of the norms we held so dear, we find an abundance of “free time”. Some may use this temporal boon to accomplish once put-off projects and hobbies with new vigor, though more may be found glued to one of many streaming services or media apps. With all these distractions, how can one stay focused – where does a guy begin to get back on track?
Across the world, thousands of guys find themselves unable to keep focused on the task at hand. Research shows that the stress of the pandemic is eating our concentration, making our study sessions take longer and workloads feel more painstaking than they need to be.
Luckily, there’s an answer. These are my five best apps for mobile and computer devices that I believe can lead the way to alleviating those distracting temptations. These tools can help you manage your screen time and stop procrastination in its tracks, making sure the time you have gained is used to its full affect.
1. Forest – Mobile – Free version or one-time purchase for all features 1.
A green-thumbed app that will have you focused on your task and saving the environment at the same time. Set up a timer for up to two hours in which Forest will pull you away from opening any other apps. Get through the time without ending it early, and you add trees to your own virtual forest. The full version of the app – through one time payment of around $3 – lets your forest contribute to real tree planting efforts in Africa, as well as many customization options for your digital grove. The perfect choice for the planet-friendly student.
2. 
Focus To-Do – All platforms – Free version or Monthly/Lifetime purchase for all features.
Your bread-and-butter focus app, with all the fixings. A Pomodoro timer sets up for a productive 25 minutes of work, after which you are rewarded with a five-minute break. The app also comes with a built-in Day Planner, task organizer and more. View your stats with the Time Tracker to make sure your keeping up to snuff, and set reminders for good habits with the Habit Tracker. While not as handsy as some others on this list, the ability to sync across all your devices and the utility of its abundant features make it a one stop shop for all your focus needs. If you need to plan anything from a date to a meeting, this is the app for you.
3. Cold Turkey Blocker – Mac/PC – Free version or one-time purchase for all features
Here’s an app that brings blocking distractions to a whole new level. Cold Turkey can block websites and applications for a set amount of time, with varying levels of security at your preference. For a one-time fee, the full version allows for a complete system lock down, “nearly impossible” to bypass – truly a hardcore option, but one that some may need.
4. Focus – Mac – One-time purchase
A Mac OS specific choice, Focus is a solid website blocker for Apple users. Its integration right into the software makes it super easy to use, with a dedicated “unstoppable” focus mode to keep you from getting off track. The app will also email you inspirational quotes after you take a break to help keep you in a productive mindset, with options to even add your own favourite quips or perhaps send a personal one for a friend. A great choice for Mac users.
5. Todoist — All platforms — Free version or monthly subscription for all features
Simple and clean, Todoist is a lovely task manager app with some awesome potential. From scheduling to managing active and future tasks, the app gives you many ways to keep track of your projects. Very notable is its connectivity, allowing multiple users – up to 50 with the Business Plan – to collaborate on projects. Whether for a study group or a small business, Todoist can give you the organization and communication you need to max out your team’s productivity. It is the ultimate group planner.
