Badges and leaderboards don't work. This is why I love Duolingo, but I always turn off the nagging notifications. But what if I was rewarded with a cute little virtual forest as I work, avoiding distractions rather than random badges? It hits differently.
That's the idea behind the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch app Forest. It's been around for a while, but I recently started using it again to focus on a task, spend less time scrolling, and add a little fun to the Pomodoro technique – working in 25-minute increments.
Stay focused longer
The Pomodoro technique is one of my favorite ways to work. I set the timer to run for 25 minutes. Then take a short break. Then work another 25 minutes. You can then choose to take longer breaks after 4:00. I think it's the perfect time to get caught up in work and get some writing done. But take breaks while you get ahead so you don't get tired, lose focus, and end up procrastinating.
Numerous apps help you work in this way. You can also use the timer on your phone. But Forest is a Pomodoro timer with a difference.
As you work in 25-minute increments with Forest, your virtual forest grows while you focus, unlocking new trees. The important thing is that once you plant a seed, you must resist the temptation to look at your phone in order for it to grow into a tree. If you close the app, the tree withers.
That's right. Forest uses gamification strategies, but does so in a unique way. It's fascinating to me that I'm growing and building something virtually while I'm creating and writing in real life. This is a new approach that can really help with procrastination, and it might just be the solution you've been looking for.
If you want more from the forest, you can earn rewards as you grow and unlock different tree species. You can also achieve achievements by sharing the forest you grew with friends or other users.
Forest is available for a one-off payment of $3.99/£3.99. It's a worthwhile investment considering the potential benefits, including improved concentration, fewer phone interruptions, and the unique experience of growing your own virtual plants and trees. If you need a new task timer and the idea of Forest appeals to you, you'll find it's worth it.