A pop-up in the corner of the screen alerts you to a new email awaiting a reply. You shift from the task you’re working on to read the message in your inbox — even though you need to finish your presentation within the next ten minutes.

It’s an all-too-common experience. And some people are better than others at adapting to their environment and putting aside pesky technology for the sake of getting work done.

If you struggle, here are some free applications that can help you mute, organise, and block technology in order to help keep you focused.

Mac, iPhone, IOS:

Screen time – Apple’s built-in app to limit screen usage gives you a detailed report about how you’re using your phone and how often. It also lets you set time limits for apps you select. There’s an additional feature called “downtime” that only lets you receive calls or access apps from a selected list. Here’s a detailed explanation on how to do it.

Self Control – This free application that lets you block distracting websites while you work. Set a time limit of how long your “blacklisted” websites are locked and get to work. Download here.

Hocus Focus – This Mac menu bar utility cleans clutter from your screen by hiding web pages that aren’t being used. You can adjust what you’re hiding and the time period in which you’re hiding the pages in the settings. Download here.

Android, Google, Windows:

Focus mode – This built-in feature on Android 10 allows you to pause certain apps once the mode is enabled on the phone. Simply go to controls, switch on focus mode, and choose the apps you want to block. Here’s a step by step guide on how to turn it on.

Digital Wellbeing – Google’s screen time management app is free on the app store. This app tells you how long you’ve used your phone, what apps you spent the most time on and how many times you picked it up. It also has a feature that lets you curb your usage by restricting how much time you spend on a specific app and quieting notifications from the ones you select. Read more about how to use it here.

Downloadable apps for a range of operating systems:

Forest – Stay focused with a purpose. Every time you use this Chrome extension, you have to “plant” a tree. If you leave the app, the tree dies. You get virtual coins for your achievements, which you can donate to the organisation’s sponsors to plant real trees. Download it here.

Freedom – This is a free app that can be used for all your devices on any operating system. It lets you block apps, websites and the entire internet for a given time. This app lets you sync across all your devices simultaneously the websites and apps that are “blacklisted”. Download here.

Mindful Browsing – This Chrome extension reminds you to be mindful of the websites you’re visiting. Rather than blocking sites, it simply asks you if you’d like to visit the site. Download here.

StayFocusd – This Chrome extension can be easily downloaded and turned on to eliminate distractions from your Mac or Windows computer. This application lets you block websites that are preventing you from getting your work done. The extension lets you block specific pages and even specific in-page content like games and videos. Download here.

LeechBlock – This is another browser extension that blocks up to 30 websites that you find distracting. You can set the block for a designated time period. Download here.

Email Apps:

Inbox Pause – Working on a deadline, but you feel inclined to make sure you haven’t missed an important email? Inbox Pause prevents new emails from coming before you’re ready for it. With this email extension, you can block off times to pause emails while you do deep work. Download here.

Mailstrom – Some public servants receive hundreds of emails a day, which can be daunting. Through the use of AI, this extension helps organise your inbox by sorting and filtering messages based on certain variables like subject line and the sender. Download it here.

Clean Fox – After years of using the same email address, you’re bound to receive many unwanted emails from spammers or newsletters that you no longer read. Clean Fox helps you unsubscribe from online lists so you are inundated with useless emails. Download it here. - Amelia Axelsen

(Picture credit: UnSplash)