Our smartphones have become a practically indispensable tool for many: we use them to work, study, communicate and capture photos and videos of special moments. However, sometimes we can go too far and using the cell phone longer than we would like.
And it’s very easy to get distracted, because we have an almost infinite number of games on our mobile phones, access to streaming series and movies and, perhaps worst of all, access to social networks, where we can waste a lot of time every day. I admit that I spend too much time on my phone, but I found a solution that, although drastic, is also effective and helps me be more productive.
Detox, an app that stops you from using your mobile
I know, it’s a matter of discipline and self-control, but sometimes it’s not bad to use a tool or technique that helps us be more productive. In my case, an application has become my ally when I want to avoid wasting time during the day: Its name is Detox and when activated it prevents you from using your mobile.
This application, in essence, blocks our access to all mobile functionsor finally, almost all of them. Its operation is simple but effective: we choose the time during which we want to not have access to the mobile phone and activate the application. By doing so, a counter will appear on the screen and we will not be able to do anything on the mobile, neither consult social networks, nor open WhatsApp to send a message, much less play a game.
When using Detox, the app blocks access to almost all mobile functions and applications: it only allows you to make calls and check notifications until the countdown ends.
The request This only allows us to make callswhich is important in case of emergency. Otherwise, the mobile phone is almost completely locked until the countdown ends. Almostbecause I found that I could do very basic things, for example, I can reply to messages from the notification panel and access the camera from the lock screen.
First we choose the time for which we want to lock the mobile and click on the padlock. Then we confirm the action and the application will prevent us from freely using the mobile phone during this period.
However, the idea is to avoid falling into temptation and that this application prevents us from wasting unnecessary time on our mobile, especially at those key moments of our work day, or when we want to study for one or two hours without interruption, for example. The idea is that it helps us disconnect from the mobileeven if it is mandatory.
You can download Detox from the Google Play Store from this link. After installing the application, it is necessary to grant the necessary permissions when accessing the application for the first time. From the application settings menu, we can configure other options, such as making the application play a sound at the end of each session.
We need to grant the necessary permissions for the application to work. Then we can start using it.
There are those who use a more traditional method to be more productive, such as the Pomodoro technique, but personally, sometimes I need a more drastic measure, and the fact that this app blocks access to my phone helps me disconnect and avoid wasting time on important tasks. moments.
Cover photo | Eduardo Marín for Xataka Android
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