We have all heard our parents call our phones distractions and imply that it could never be a source of productivity. While many have considered our phones to be the main reason why we cannot stay motivated and focused, others have altered their phone or found ways to defy this believe. So, here are 7 ways that you can do the same and let your phone end up being the very source of your productivity and determination.
- Downloading Productivity Apps
-
Productivity apps have been known to increase motivation and focus levels of individuals.
While there are many apps on the App Store and Play Store for productvitiy, listed below are 2 apps that have been known to keep one focused.
1. Google Calendar- Plan out and schedule your tasks with this app. This can be accessed on both your laptop and phone for your convenience.
2. Flora- This app grows a tree while you are away from your phone and it also doubles as a to-do list app.
- Put Time Limits on Certain Apps
-
Time limits help you limit the time spent on each app, especially the apps you feel distract you from your work. Such apps could include, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp
In order to do this, on an iPhone, follow these steps:
Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Tap Add Limit and choose time limits for each app.
- Make Use of the Apps Already on Your Phone
-
When you first get your phone, there are default apps on it that could actually aid you in your mission to stay productive and organized. Such apps could include:
~ Notes App- Use for lists, plan out articles or emails and even to construct tables
~ Reminders App- Use to set reminders for homework, classes or any other time related obligation
- Organizing Your Home Screen
-
An organized home screen can not only help you waste less time searching for the app you have in mind but can also make sure that you don’t get overhwlemed and distracted by other apps.
Listed below are a few ways you can organize your home screen:
– Organize apps into folders (eg- social media, photo and video, music etc)
– Keeping social media apps on the second screen so they are not easily accessible or seen
– Deleting unused apps
– Changing your wallpaper and lock screen to matching and calming themes
- Downloading Sleep/Meditation Apps
-
While this tip may seem a little off-topic, it is definitely one that many have insisted is helpful. Apps such as Calm and Headspace help you feel a little less overwhelemd and anxious about your work. They also help you get a good night’s sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed, motivated and ready to start work.
- Making/ Downloading Study and Focus Playlists
-
Certain types of music such as lofi beats, classical, jazz and slow songs have been known to increase focus on reduce anxiety when it comes to studying.
Spotify has various playlists solely for studying and focus. Simply search up ‘focus’ or ‘study’ and you will have a variety of playlists to choose from. If you do not like these playlists you can make your own. Then, it is possible to download these and listen to them with you WiFi or data turned off in order to reduce further distractions.
Here are a few suggestions:
spotify:playlist:37i9dQZF1DWWQRwui0ExPn
spotify:playlist:37i9dQZF1DWSSrwtip3vZP
spotify:playlist:37i9dQZF1DX4sWSpwq3LiO
- Turn Off Notifications
-
Notifications are known to disrupt concentration and distract you from your work. Turning notifications off will help you stay more focused on the task at hand. To do this, follow the steps given below:
Settings > Notifications > Turn off notifications for preferred apps
If you do not like the idea of turning all your notifications off, simply put your phone on Do Not Disturb. To do this, follow the steps given below:
Settings > Do Not Disturb > Turn the toggle on
With these few steps, you will no longer feel as though you have to completely give up or quit using your phone in order to be productive and successful and you will instead allow yourself to reach a healthy balance.