Tools and Apps to Boost Productivity and Manage Procrastination
We're all looking for ways to boost productivity in the hopes that we'll procrastinate less. Having an arsenal of tools and strategies to manage your procrastination can help. Fortunately, there are tools and apps available that can help you manage your procrastination and increase your productivity.
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Even if you like to go analog for most things in your life, tapping into productivity apps can help you ease some of the chaos in your life because you'll be able to manage your inclination to procrastinate.

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Time Management Techniques
You're going to want to experiment with a variety of time management techniques to find the one (or ones) that work with your brain. Everything is hard when you first try it because there's a learning curve, so don't give up too quickly, but at the same time, if it really doesn't feel right, don't feel bad about switching it up.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps you break down your work into focused intervals, usually 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks. This technique aims to boost productivity by allowing you to work on a task with full concentration, without any distractions, for a short period of time. After each Pomodoro, you take a short break to recharge before starting the next one.
The key here is total focus. We are always most productive when we can give something our full attention (no multi-tasking allowed). The one problem with the Pomodoro Method is that for some people, 25 minutes is longer than their attention span, especially when they first start. You can make your Pomodoros whatever length you need to be successful.
To use this technique, you need a timer and a to-do list. Start the timer for 25 minutes (or whatever time you decide) and work on a task from your to-do list until the timer rings. Then take a break for 5 minutes before starting the next Pomodoro. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-20 minutes.
Time Blocking
Time blocking is a time management technique that involves scheduling your time in advance. It helps you prioritize your tasks and allocate specific time slots for each of them. By doing this, you can ensure that you have enough time for all your tasks and avoid wasting time on unimportant activities.
To use this technique, you need to create a schedule for your day or week, allocating specific time slots for each task. Use a planner or a calendar to create your schedule, and be sure to include breaks and time for unexpected tasks. Stick to your schedule as much as possible, but be flexible when necessary.
Depending on how you think about your day and the tasks you need to complete, you might use a planner with hours marked, so you can put specific tasks into each hour slot.
For some people, they feel too constrained committing to specific hours for tasks. In that case, you can use chunks of your day, such as morning, afternoon, and evening.

Task Management Tools
When it comes to managing your tasks and staying on top of your to-do list, there are a variety of tools available to help you. Here are two types of task management tools that can help you stay productive:
To-Do List Apps
To-do list apps are a simple but effective way to keep track of your tasks. These apps allow you to create a list of tasks and organize them by priority, due date, or category. Some popular to-do list apps include:
Todoist: This app allows you to create tasks, set due dates, and organize them into projects. You can also set reminders and collaborate with others.
Any.do: This app offers a clean and simple interface, and allows you to create tasks, set reminders, and organize them into lists. You can also use voice commands to add tasks.
- PickerWheel: While, not an app, this free site will help gamify your to-do list. You input all the tasks you have and then spin the spinner to determine what you do first. When a task is done, you check it off and it is removed from the spinner.
Project Management Software
If you're working on a larger project or managing a team, project management software can help you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and progress. Some popular project management software options include:
Trello: This app allows you to create boards for different projects, and then add cards for individual tasks. You can also add due dates, checklists, and attachments, and collaborate with others.
Asana: This app offers a variety of features for project management, including the ability to create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress. You can also set due dates, add attachments, and communicate with team members.
Basecamp: This app allows you to create projects, add tasks and to-do lists, and communicate with team members. You can also set deadlines and track progress, and the app offers a variety of collaboration tools.

Focus Enhancing Apps
If you find yourself easily distracted while working on your computer, focus enhancing apps can help you stay on task and boost productivity.
Distraction Blockers
Distraction blockers are apps that block distracting websites or applications, allowing you to focus on your work. Some popular distraction blockers include:
- Freedom: Freedom allows you to block distracting websites and apps across all your devices. You can schedule recurring blocks or start them on-demand, and even use Freedom's “Locked Mode” to prevent you from turning off the block early.
- StayFocusd: StayFocusd is a free Chrome extension that lets you block certain websites for a specified amount of time. You can also set a daily time limit for all blocked sites combined.
Focus@Will: Instead of blocking things, Focus@Will is about keeping you focused through music. It's a music service that provides scientifically optimized music to help you focus and be more productive. You can choose from different genres and adjust the intensity to suit your needs.
Focus Timers
Focus timers are apps or are physical timers that help you focus on your work in short bursts and track your time. Some popular focus timers include:
- Forest: Forest is a mobile app that encourages you to stay focused by planting a virtual tree that grows over time. If you leave the app before the timer is up, your tree will wither and die.
- Pomodoro Timer: Pomodoro Timer is a free desktop app that lets you customize the length of your work and break periods. It also includes a timer that shows how much time you have left in your current work session.
- RescueTime: Rescue Time has automatic time tracking, focus sessions, site blockers, and distraction alerts.
- : This one isn't an app, but an actual timer to help you keep track of your time.
By using distraction blockers and focus timers, you can stay focused on your work and improve your productivity.

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Habit Building and Tracking
If you struggle with procrastination, forming good habits and tracking your progress can be a great way to stay on track and boost productivity. Here are some tools and apps that can help you build and track habits:
Habit Formation Apps
Habitica – Habitica is a habit-building app that turns your habits into a game. You create an avatar and earn rewards for completing tasks and building good habits. The app also allows you to join groups and compete with friends to stay motivated.
Streaks – Streaks is a simple habit-building app that allows you to track up to 12 habits at once. You can set reminders and customize your habits to fit your schedule and goals. The app also provides statistics and graphs to help you track your progress.
Fabulous – Fabulous is a habit-building app that focuses on creating morning and evening routines. The app provides personalized coaching and motivation to help you build healthy habits and stick to them.
Progress Tracking Tools
Trello – Trello is a project management tool that can also be used to track habits and goals. You can create boards for each habit and use cards to track your progress. The app also allows you to set reminders and collaborate with others.
HabitBull – HabitBull is a habit-tracking app that allows you to set goals and track your progress over time. The app provides statistics and graphs to help you visualize your progress and stay motivated.
Coach.me – Coach.me is a habit-tracking app that provides personalized coaching and motivation. You can set goals and track your progress, and the app also allows you to connect with coaches and other users for support and accountability.
By using these habit-building and progress-tracking tools, you can stay on track and boost productivity. Try out a few different options to find the ones that work best for you and your goals.

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Mindfulness and Well-being
Meditation Apps
Meditation apps are a great way to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and improve focus. These apps offer a variety of guided meditations, breathing exercises, and other mindfulness practices that can help you stay calm and centered throughout the day.
One popular meditation app is Mindfulness. It offers a wide range of mindfulness meditations. the basic version has a limited selection, but if you try it and like it, the paid version is worth it.
Another great option is Calm. This app offers a variety of guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises to help you relax and unwind. It also includes a feature called “Daily Calm” that provides a new meditation every day.
Physical Activity Trackers
Physical activity trackers can help you stay motivated and on track with your fitness goals. These devices track your steps, calories burned, and other metrics to help you monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
One popular physical activity tracker is Fitbit. It offers a range of devices, from basic step trackers to more advanced models that include heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking. The Fitbit app also includes features like goal setting, activity challenges, and personalized coaching to help you stay motivated.
Another great option is Garmin. This brand offers a range of fitness trackers and smartwatches that include features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking. The Garmin Connect app also includes features like goal setting, personalized coaching, and social challenges to help you stay motivated and engaged.
When you're working to combat procrastination, you need to have as many tools at your disposal as possible. Experiment with a variety of apps and tools to find the ones that work best for you. Once you figure out how to manage your procrastination, you'll probably see a boost in your productivity as well.