Perhaps the word “productivity” is one of the most popular ones in our everyday vocabulary. But this also means that we can’t imagine our lives without a rush. And this, in turn, leads to stress and constant anxiety. We are worried about not making it before the deadline and don’t want to forget something important, just like Neville Longbottom.
Therefore, we are looking for all kinds of tools to stay focused and relaxed. And, of course, apps are one of them! In this article, we’ve put together eight platforms for anyone who needs help with self-organization, time management, and concentration.
However, before we begin, let us warn you that sometimes even the most productive of us struggle to keep everything under control. And this isn’t surprising, given how quickly the study load increases! Luckily, one can always order custom writing at EssayPro and forget about tension and low grades. The authors are true experts in their fields, so your assignment will surely be done at the highest level possible!
Zapier (Browser Extension)
We start the compilation with not really an app. Zapier is an automation platform that shares information between the programs you use. It can be Trello, Google Sheets, Slack, Notion, etc. Thus, you save time, reduce the number of repetitive tasks and focus on top priorities.
Here’s how you can use it when studying:
- Add web articles to Google Sheets when you are looking for sources for your research;
- Share links with your groupmates in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or email when working on a project;
- Look up data from any program and display it in the Chrome extension when giving a presentation;
- Update your to-do list in apps like Any.do or Todoist to keep things in order.
Trello (App)
Trello is a great team collaboration tool as it makes managing work straightforward and enjoyable. How? It organizes projects perfectly! Basically, any list of productivity apps includes this program, and for a good reason! Trello’s boards, lists, and card interfaces are very intuitive, so you can structure ideas and track progress with ease.
Let’s say your group is working on a marketing project. With Trello, you can create lists for each step of your workflows, such as Brainstorming, Writing, Editing, and Publishing, and then add cards for each article. They can be assigned to team members by specifying deadlines. All data will be available in one space, and you won’t look through endless chats and messages.
And most importantly, your Trello board will literally become your to-do list with specific deadlines and subtasks.
Dropbox Passwords (Browser Extension)
Let’s agree: we would save a lot of time if we didn’t have to remember the passwords for all the accounts we have. They are quite easy to forget, especially considering how often we have to update them. Whatever memorization techniques we use, there is just too much going on around us. Therefore, the brain can literally lose the right information at the worst possible moment.
Passwords for Zoom and e-library, learning platforms, social media accounts… The list is long! Fortunately, Dropbox Passwords have come to the rescue! It’s a powerful password management app. Here, your personal data will be highly encrypted and as secure as possible – only you can access it.
You can also add any data here, from dorm gate codes to recipes or Wi-Fi passwords. All this saves you time and, therefore, allows you to devote energy to something more essential.
Slack (App)
It seems that the number of group projects increases from semester to semester. So, another convenient tool for communication within the team won’t hurt. In Slack, it’s easy to invite others to join you – the invitation is sent right to their email.
The app saves all the correspondence, sent files, and notes on necessary messages. Plus, you can configure notifications for mail/phone/desktop and synchronize data on all devices. Moreover, there is integration with other services such as Skype, Dropbox, Google Calendar, etc.
Pomodoro (Browser Extension)
A simple and affordable timer based on Pomodoro is a vital tool for all students. It works online in a browser and, therefore, doesn’t require installation or any additional steps. The main task of this program is to save you from fatigue, offering optimal intervals for study.
Once the working time (25 minutes) is off, you get a signal about a small break lasting 5 minutes. Or you can choose the longer one and relax for 15 minutes straight. The decision is up to you. During these precious minutes, try to change the scenery. Go out to breathe some fresh air, drink a cup of coffee, or exercise. The better you relax, the better your brain will work afterward, right?
Indeed, Pomodoro is excellent in terms of self-organization and fighting procrastination (or its extreme, which is burnout).
Forest (Browser Extension)
The Forest application is both a website blocker and a timer. After installing it in the Google Chrome browser, you compile a list of distracting sites in the settings (there are already Facebook, Reddit, and YouTube by default). When you press the timer in the browser panel, the growth of the virtual tree begins.
Pressing “Give Up!” will open you access to the sites you blocked. However, the tree will die right away! The time period during which the tree will grow, and you will do the work varies from 25 to 120 minutes.
Toggl (Browser Extension)
Of course, we can’t but mention apps that do one vital thing. They show you where your time goes, and knowing this, you will be one step closer to higher productivity! Toggl is a service that allows you to control the time spent studying. Everything is simple here: you indicate the task you are sitting on now and click “Play.” The system will begin to count the time.
And before you finish, check not only for how long you stayed focused but also the hours (for example, from 13:30 to 15:58). This way, you will notice when you feel the most productive.
RescueTime (Browser Extension)
RescueTime is a little different from the apps mentioned above. Why? It works in the background, tracking your activity on used programs and sites. One can enter their personal account at the end of the day to analyze which sources took most of their time and energy. So, this app is another cool option to watch yourself and start changing habits that steal your attention.
To Wrap It Up
Technologies don’t stand still, but along with the advantages that they offer, there are plenty of distracting factors as well. From funny videos to engaging posts to unread emails and forgotten passwords – all of this makes us truly drained.
However, once you begin to use the apps from the list, you will develop a necessary trait. And this is reflection! When knowing your predispositions and weaknesses, it will be simpler for you to change your routine and perform tasks on time.
Indeed, now one needs not only a laptop, a notebook, and a convenient workplace to be an effective student. But also useful tools! Thanks to them, your communication with group mates will be organized, and the list of tasks will be clear and understandable.
