Work productively and relax with the help of useful apps

Popular apps for boosting productivity

In a world of constant multitasking and deadlines, staying focused is a real challenge. Fortunately, there are many specialised apps that help you plan your tasks, manage your time and stay focused. We have compiled a selection of tools that can become your reliable assistants on the path to maximum productivity.

1. Google Calendar

   
    Many of you are probably familiar with Google's free calendar app for personal and work planning. It allows you to create events with descriptions, dates, times, locations, and invitations for participants, as well as set reminders for them and deadlines so you don't miss anything. You can add files and links to events in your calendar. You can view your calendar in different modes: by month, week, day, or as a list.

   You can also conveniently share your calendar with others in view or edit mode, which is useful for teamwork. You can set the privacy level for each event: make it private, public, or accessible only to certain users.

   You can also create a shared calendar for a team, family or project. And thanks to the Find a Time feature, you can schedule meetings based on the availability of all participants.

   Google Calendar is available as a web version and as a mobile app (Android, iOS). It integrates easily with other Google services such as Gmail, Google Meet and Google Drive.

2. Freedom

   
    Too many distractions at work? The Freedom app can help you avoid them. It blocks distracting websites, mobile apps and notifications on Android/iOS, and even desktop programmes on Windows/macOS. This allows you to focus on important tasks and work more consciously and productively.

   You simply set time intervals during which certain websites or programs will be automatically blocked. Freedom allows you to block specific web resources or select broad categories (e.g., social networks or news). One account works on all devices simultaneously: for example, you can start a session on your smartphone, and the block will also apply to your laptop and tablet.

   The app can also be used without downloading it — via a browser. The paid Freedom Premium plan includes Locked Mode, which prevents you from changing settings or disabling blocking until the selected time has elapsed — this is to ensure that you don't give in to temptation. Freedom also offers a free trial version.

3. Todoist

   
    Another popular app that helps you manage your personal and work to-do lists. In Todoist, you can create main tasks and add subtasks, allowing you to structure your work and complete tasks step by step. You can set deadlines and monitor progress.

   You can also organise tasks into projects, allowing you to create different categories for personal, work or collaborative tasks. Tasks can be marked with different priorities (from low to high) to determine what is most important and urgent for you.

   This task manager allows you to share your projects with other users, making it convenient for teamwork. Each participant can add tasks, set tags, assign responsible persons, and comment on tasks.

   Todoist integrates with many popular services such as Google Calendar, Dropbox, and others. It is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and via a browser. For individual users or beginners who only need basic task management features, the free version of the app is suitable.

4. Forest

   
    This is one of those work programmes that encourages users to focus on their tasks using gamification. The idea is that when you want to focus on work, you «plant» a virtual tree. This is done with the help of the Pomodoro technique: you set a timer for a certain amount of time (for example, 25 minutes), and as long as you work without distractions, the tree grows. If you leave the app or open other apps, the tree dies. The longer you work without breaks, the bigger the tree will be. This mechanism encourages you to stay focused on your work.

   In Forest, you can set goals, such as the number of trees you want to grow per day or week, which gives you extra motivation to work. When you reach new goals (for example, growing a certain number of trees), you unlock new tree species. This makes using the programme interesting and motivating.

   You can synchronise your data between different devices (e.g. between your smartphone and computer) to continue working without interruption on any of them. You can also work not only individually, but also with friends or colleagues, creating joint focus sessions where everyone grows trees together.

   The app is available on iOS and Android and also has an extension for Google Chrome. For a more comprehensive approach to task management, Forest can be integrated with other productivity apps, such as Trello or Todoist.

   The free version offers basic features. There is also a paid Premium version, which offers more tree types, continuous use, advanced statistics, and the ability to synchronise between devices.

5. Notion

   
    This app combines everything you need for work in one place: note-taking, database creation, task management, team collaboration, and much more.

   Notion has a large library of customisable templates for different types of entries — from note-taking to project management. You can add tasks and events with specific deadlines to the calendar, create to-do lists with the ability to mark them as completed. You can also invite other users to collaborate on notes, databases, tables, etc.

   The app allows you to integrate files and data from other services (Google Drive, Slack, Figma). It works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and via a web browser.

   Notion has a free pricing plan that allows you to use most of the basic features. Paid plans with additional features are also available.

6. Trello

   
    This is a convenient tool for managing projects and tasks, which can be used individually or in teams, which is even more effective. Trello consists of boards — this is the working environment that contains all the elements of the project. You can create boards for different projects, teams, or even for personal tasks.

   A board is divided into lists, which usually reflect different stages or categories of tasks (for example: «To Do», «In progress», «Done»). You can move lists around the board, changing their order for convenience.

   The main units of work in Trello are cards, each of which contains a specific task or work item. Cards can be modified, descriptions, checklists, deadlines, attachments, and comments can be added, and they can be moved between lists. In addition, cards can be marked with coloured labels for quick identification of task categories (e.g., «Important», «Awaiting approval»).

   Comments can be left on cards to facilitate discussions, ask questions, or suggest ideas. Cards can be assigned to specific team members, allowing you to clearly define who is responsible for each task.

   With the built-in Butler tool in Trello, you can set up automatic actions based on events. For example, moving a card to another list after certain actions have been completed or automatically creating a card for a specific day.

   The app offers many templates for different types of projects (e.g., event organisation, product development, marketing campaign management, etc.). It integrates easily with other popular tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, and GitHub.

   In addition to the desktop version for macOS and Windows, Trello can be used as a mobile app for iOS and Android. It has a free version, which is suitable for personal use or small projects, and a paid version, which is geared towards professional use and teams.

Habit tracker — the secret weapon of your productive self

If you want to start every day with a warm-up, learn new words in a foreign language, read more, or cook healthy meals at home, congratulations — you are on your way to becoming a better version of yourself. But how can you avoid falling off the wagon halfway through? How can you stay focused when your daily routine sucks you in?

This is where the habit tracker comes in — your digital partner in self-discipline. It's not just an app. It's your personal system of reminders, mini-reports, and small victories that help you stay on track for a healthy, mindful, and organised lifestyle day after day.

To understand how such a tracker works, imagine a calendar where you tick off a useful habit every day. Jogging — ✓, meditation — ✓, a glass of water in the morning — ✓. The more ticks, the longer the chain and the more motivation you have to keep going.

Such apps save your results, help you analyse your progress and remind you of your tasks in your hectic everyday life. It's like having a personal trainer in your pocket, only without the shouting and whistling.

When choosing a habit tracker for yourself, it is worth considering your own needs and preferences:

• Do you like minimalism or do you want visual and colourful motivation?
• Do you need detailed graphs or just reminders?
• Do you want to track 3 habits or 30?

Ask yourself what exactly will help you stay on track, and then make your choice. To make it easier for you, we have prepared an overview of the most interesting habit trackers that have already helped thousands of people change their lives. Maybe you will find the perfect option for you among them.

1. Streaks

   
    With this app, you can form useful habits and track your achievements. The idea is to create a chain of habits that reflects the number of consecutive days you have performed a certain action. If you miss a day, your chain is broken, and you have to start over. This motivates you to work on your goals every day.

   Streaks allows you to create and track up to 12 different habits at the same time. It can be any habit you want to develop or change, from exercise to regular reading or meditation. For each habit, you can set a specific goal (e.g., «Work out for 30 minutes» or «Read 20 pages») and set a specific time or interval when you want to perform it. You can set a habit to be performed daily, weekly, or monthly. You can also set up email reminders for each habit.

   The programme offers ready-made habit templates to help you start with simple tasks such as «Drink water», «Learn a new word every day», etc. It also provides statistics on your progress: how many days in a row you have maintained a certain habit, your average habit completion rate, etc.

   Streaks supports integration with other popular health and fitness apps, such as Apple Health and Strava, allowing you to automatically track certain habits (e.g., steps or workouts).

   The app works on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. The free version offers basic habit tracking features and progress statistics. The paid version provides access to advanced functionality.

2. Loop Habit Tracker

   
    This is a free and minimalistic app that helps you create and maintain useful habits.

   You can add new habits to Loop Habit Tracker (e.g., «Drink water», «Exercise», «Read every day») and set intervals for each of them. There is no limit to the number of habits you can add.

   You can track your progress in the calendar, where habit analysis graphs are generated. To ensure you don't forget about an important habit, Loop Habit Tracker allows you to set reminders for each habit separately at a specific time.

   The app is only available for Android users. It is completely free, contains no ads, and does not require a subscription.

3. Productive

   
    A functional programme for planning and tracking personal productivity. It allows you to create and track habits you want to develop, set long-term goals, and calculate your achievements.

   Tasks created in Productive can be categorised (work, personal, sports, etc.), which helps you stay organised. You can also set the frequency of certain actions. Based on the statistics provided, you can see your progress in completing tasks and habits. And so you don't forget about the important ones, you can set up notifications.

   The app is only available for Android users. It has a free version, but with limited functionality.

4. Avocation

   
    A gamified app focused on personal development and creating useful habits, hobbies, and interests. The game component involves growing a virtual plant (avocado), which helps you visually assess your progress.

   You can add your hobbies to this app, create a schedule or set goals for each of them, break down goals into small steps, plan and track your achievements.

   To help you remember to devote time to your hobbies regularly, Avocation allows you to set reminders. The app also gives you tips or ideas for developing new hobbies or habits, encouraging you to try new things.

   Like Productive, Avocation provides you with statistics to monitor your progress. For example, how much time you devote to your hobby and how it affects your mood and emotional health.

   The app works on iOS and Android. Most of the features are only available in the paid version.

5. Habitica

   
    This is a free gaming app for tracking habits, achievements and productivity, which turns the process of self-improvement into a fun game. It allows you to create tasks, track progress and receive rewards.

   You can add both positive and negative habits in the form of tasks (e.g., «Drink water every day» or «Stop smoking»). Progress can be tracked using statistics and graphs.

   For completing tasks, you receive coins to purchase in-app items or rewards. You can also create your own rewards (e.g., relaxation, watching a TV series, or delicious food) for even greater motivation.

   To increase motivation, Habitica allows you to join groups or create a team with friends or other users who share a common goal.

   Each user has their own character that develops along with them. This turns the daily routine of forming habits into an exciting role-playing game (RPG). You can customize your character by choosing clothes, equipment, and accessories, which adds an extra element of personalisation.

   Habitica is available in a web version and as a mobile app (iOS and Android).

Useful apps for stress relief and relaxation

After a busy day at work, it's not always easy to find a way to relax and recharge your batteries. This is where special mental health support programmes can come in handy, helping you to relieve stress and get into a calm state of mind. From meditation to relaxing games, there are many options that make relaxation not only beneficial but also enjoyable.

1. Calm

   
    It's more than just an app for rest, relaxation and meditation. It's a true oasis of peace and harmony in the frantic pace of modern life. Ideal for those who want to reduce stress, improve sleep, develop mindfulness or simply learn to be in the here and now. Calm offers all this through soundscapes, breathing exercises and other self-healing practices.

   The programme offers meditations to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, work with emotions and prepare for sleep — from short 3-minute sessions to deep 30-minute practices.

   How about a bedtime story (or Sleep Stories)? In Calm, they are read by famous actors and announcers — Matthew McConaughey, Idris Elba, Kate Winslet and others. They will help you fall asleep peacefully, like a child.

   The app also features specially selected nature sounds, relaxing music, and breathing exercises that help reduce tension in just a few minutes. This is an excellent choice for those looking for ways to improve their mental health.

   Calm is available for iOS, Android, and as a web version. Basic functionality is available for free. A subscription unlocks all content (meditations, stories, music).

2. Headspace

   
    Meet your personal guide to the world of meditation and mental health. This app is designed to help you relieve stress, improve sleep quality, and increase concentration.

   Headspace offers a variety of meditation practices, from short 3-minute sessions to deep 20-30-minute sessions. Specially designed for different needs, meditations help relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and develop positive thinking.

   The app also includes breathing exercises to quickly restore energy and relieve tension in stressful situations. The unique Sleepcasts feature helps you tune in to peaceful and healthy sleep using relaxing sounds and voice guidance.

   With this mental health programme, you can track your progress and statistics: how much you meditate, how often you practise, and what results you achieve. All of this motivates you to continue working on yourself.

   Headspace works on iOS, Android, and via a web version. The basic functionality is free. Full access requires a paid subscription.

3. Energy: Anti-Stress Loops

   
    Designed as a calming game, this app helps relieve stress and restore inner balance through unique sound and visual practices. As you navigate through Energy puzzles and advance to new levels, you can create complete «closed» cycles and stimulate your mental focus.

   First, the app offers a variety of sound loops that you can choose from based on sound type: rain, ocean, forest, or even white noise. These create an atmosphere of calm and help restore energy.

   Secondly, Energy has a visual effects feature that includes abstract animations, colour loops and meditative images. The visual elements help to deepen the relaxation effect and visually calm the mind.

   Depending on your goal, you can choose different modes: for energy recovery, meditation, sleep or deep relaxation. Thanks to the tracking features, you can assess how your emotional state has changed before and after using the app.

   Energy is available on iOS and Android. The app can be used for free, but with limitations. For full functionality, you need to subscribe.

4. Woodoku

   
    This is an exciting puzzle that develops logical thinking and strategic planning, providing an opportunity to have fun and train your brain at the same time. It combines the principles of classic Sudoku, but instead of numbers, it uses different geometric shapes. The goal is to fill in the 9x9 grid so that each shape appears in every row, column, and block without repetition.

   The game has several difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced, allowing you to choose the optimal level for any user.

   Woodoku has two main modes:

   • Daily challenges, which add new puzzles every day.
   • Freedom to choose levels, where you can select any puzzle from the available difficulty levels.

   The app is available on iOS and Android platforms. It is completely free to download. There is also a premium version that removes ads and unlocks additional features.

5. Bubble Shooter

   
    This is one of the coolest phone apps, popular among children and adults alike. This classic arcade game is a great way to pass the time, relax and train your observation skills.

   The main objective of Bubble Shooter is to shoot coloured balls to create groups of three or more balls of the same colour. When such a group is formed, the balls disappear and you earn points. The goal is to clear the playing field of balls in this way.

   The game has many levels, each offering unique tasks. You receive various bonuses for achieving certain results in the game. Built-in leaderboards allow you to compare your results with other players, adding an element of competition.

   In addition to iOS and Android mobile platforms, Bubble Shooter is available in a web version. The app can be downloaded for free, as can access to the basic gameplay. If desired, you can take advantage of in-app purchases.

6. Words of Wonders

   
    This exciting puzzle game combines elements of a crossword and a word search. It offers not only entertainment, but also an excellent opportunity to improve your vocabulary and logical thinking.

   Words of Wonders consists of levels, each of which contains a specific set of letters from which you need to form words. The more words you form, the more your vocabulary expands. At the same time, as you play, you travel to different cities around the world, exploring new places and locations (such as the Pyramids in Egypt or the Great Wall of China), which are depicted as beautiful landscapes.

   Words of Wonders works as a mobile app (iOS/Android) and in a web version. You can download the app and play for free. The game also has in-app purchases that allow you to get hints or other bonuses to make it easier to complete levels.

7. Tiny Bubbles

   
    This is a very popular puzzle game that combines elements of strategic thinking and calm gameplay with coloured bubbles. It's the perfect way to relax and unwind after a hard day.

   The main objective of the game is to combine bubbles of the same colour so that they disappear. But unlike classic bubble games, there are additional strategic elements here. This requires you to think not only about how to build combinations, but also about how to minimise the number of moves.

   Tiny Bubbles has a cosy interface with bright colours and a calm background. Relaxing background music helps you enjoy the process to the fullest.

   The app is available for iOS and Android users, as well as in a web version. It has a free version with the option to make purchases for additional content or advantages in the game.

   Now it's up to you: choose apps that interest you, test them and share your results in the comments.