Five Helpful Productivity Apps

Features
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Avoid distractions, pick the right jam to pump up your productivity and turn your to-do list into a game with these life-improving apps

Mobile
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1. Pocket

Too tempting to “just’ read that New York Times piece on the history of elevators before you crack on with invoicing? Pocket just takes one click to compile and send articles to an online archive, accessible anywhere, to read on the commute home. App Store and Google Play, getpocket.com

2. AntiSocial

There are dozens of apps that let you reduce your phone’s functionality to get more done, but this one – which lets you blacklist apps, schedule productivity time and track your website usage – is one of the best. Crank it up, shut everything down, and get to work. Google Play, antisocial.io/personal

3. Habitica

Good at games, less so at food prep? This RPG “gamifies” your to-do list by turning habits and tasks into monsters needing to be conquered – with collaborative options to crank up the social pressure. Fetch the enchanted coracle! App Store and Google Play, habitica.com

4. Focus@Will

According to this app, your personality type determines the kind of music that’ll put you in a “flow” state, making you hyper-focused and optimising productivity. So a bit like Spotify, then, but with channels that include Alpha Chill and Electro Bach. Tranquil. App Store and Google Play, focusatwill.com

5. Type N Walk

If you absolutely insist on texting and walking – and sure, sometimes there’s no option – this app uses your front-facing camera to show you what’s ahead while you tap. Sure, it runs down the battery – but it’s still better than walking into a lamppost… App Store, type-n-walk.com

Joel Snape
Joel Snape

From 2008 to 2018, Joel worked for Men's Fitness, which predated, and then shared a website with, Coach. Though he spent years running the hills of Bath, he’s since ditched his trainers for a succession of Converse high-tops, since they’re better suited to his love of pulling vans, lifting cars, and hefting logs in a succession of strongman competitions.