Hold on two secs, just gotta check Snapchat...
Okay we’re back. Where were we? Oh yeah, we just found a new app that helps you beat phone addiction, ignore notifications, and actually focus on the important stuff (like talking with loved ones or finishing university). Basically, a procrastinator's worst nightmare.
It’s called Forest, and you’re going to be hearing a lot about it over the next few months.
Here’s how it works. When you want to concentrate on a real-life task, open the app. This will plant a small seed. For every minute you keep the app open (and don’t flick it closed to check Insta, FB, Snapchat, Tinder, Twitter, Youtube or anything else) that seed will grow. Eventually a tree will sprout, and then a forest of trees, and then a forest of forests.
If you close the app for any reason, the trees wither and die—like your self-discipline. You can check back on the last week’s stats to see how well you were concentrating, and longer concentrated periods unlock new and interesting tree species.
Some people will say using an app to beat phone addiction is kind of missing the point (and we guess you could just leave it running while you sleep to trick the app into thinking you’re some sort of Zen master)—but really, this is a positive step. The world needs more digital trees.
For more info on Forest, check out their cute-as-a-button website here.
Image credit: Forest