Stop Procrastinating!

Hi Roxy Readers – we’re in the middle of final exams for the Spring 2017 semester, and it's crunch time. Once again, I'm sharing information about apps that will help you avoid procrastination. I've added a couple of new apps, so give them a try.

Do it Now, Not Later!

When you find yourself procrastinating, you just have to prioritize. Do you really need to check Facebook for the tenth time this hour? Is Snapchat really more important than your grade? Of course not! Procrastination happens for many reasons, and sometimes we need a little help with our choices. Let’s face it, our phones are more distracting than our computers now. Facebook just feels better on a small screen even when our MacBook is open in front of us. Here’s some great ways to break your smartphone and internet addiction so that you can get stuff done!

1.       OFFTIME

This is an app that lets you block other apps that you know are distracting to you. For example: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, games, or Twitter. You can also set aside blocks of time for family, work, or “you time”. It even gives you statistics on how you use your phone so you can finally see that you spend five hours a day on Snapchat. That’s a wake-up call. OFFTIME is available on iOS and Android.

2.       AppDetox

This app also allows you to block certain apps and view what your usage is like. However, this app lets you know when you break the rules. Sometimes we need a visual reminder that we need to change our ways. Only available on Android.

3.       Productivity Owl

This Chrome extension is really serious about keeping you on track. If it notices that you’ve been spending too much time on frivolous websites, the Productivity Owl flies in and closes your tabs. Of course, you can control what the owl thinks are frivolous websites and regulate how much time you’re allowed to spend on the sites. If you start to get addicted to watching the Owl fly in, you may need to move on to a different extension.

4.       AppBlock - Stay Focused

This free Android app temporarily blocks programs on your mobile device. You set the date and length of time to block. Once that time is up, you'll have access to the apps again. 

5.       StayOnTask

This app will randomly check that you are doing what you've said you would do and not wasting time. Again, you set the parameters, and the app will pop in to see if you're on task. StayOnTask is a free app in Google Play.

All of these programs have one thing in common: you have to want to get things done. Sometimes all we need is that extra push. Push yourself, please; you’ll be happy you did. The end of the semester is so close, and we just need to hang on. Before we know it, we’ll be riding the waves again.

That's it for now, Roxy Fans! This is my last entry for the semester. Good luck on your finals!

See you next time the sun is up, the breeze is cool, and the waves roll into view. ‘Til then, hang ten!