For those people who use the computer or mobile phone to workIncreasing productivity is a necessity. Reducing distractions and optimizing the use of time helps to achieve better results at work. That is why, in this list you will find 10 open source tools to improve your productivity, so that you can make the most of every minute.
Productivity can be for both work and personal study or research activitiesThat's why open source apps focused on productivity are primarily aimed at organizing, managing and improving the way we work on a daily basis. With these open source apps you can also take advantage of quality time for rest, another parameter that often ends up being neglected, but which has an impact on results.
Open source productivity apps: time management with Pomodoro
La Pomodoro technique is a time management method that aims to increase individual productivity. It consists of dividing the work day into 25-minute intervals, known as “pomodoros,” and then using a short 5-minute break. After completing four pomodoros, a longer break is taken. It can be 15 or 30 minutes. This technique is used to maintain concentration and reduce stress and fatigue levels.
In the world of open source productivity apps, there are many that use the Pomodoro technique. For example, you can download Gnome Pomodoro or Super Productivity. The system app is extremely simple, and in addition to managing time units, they also help you keep track of pending tasks that you accumulate.
Take notes intelligently
Application CherryTree CherryTree is open source and streamlines note-taking on your device. It uses a hierarchical structure, allowing you to organize the different notes as if they were a tree, thus establishing a link between the different sources and issues to be worked on. It can be used both in managing large projects and in smaller proposals. It has a very intuitive interface, easy to navigate and with options to customize the experience. The ease of taking notes makes CherryTree an excellent tool for creating a to-do list or for jotting down ideas in general.
Block distractions with open source productivity apps
In the world of digital work, distractions and attention-grabbing elements constantly appear. That's why a good app is one that acts as a barrier and eliminates distractions for specific periods of time or according to custom parameters. The open source developers behind SelfControl, for example, have created a tool on macOS that will prevent you from accessing distracting websites or specific apps. In your own personal settings, you choose how long to block access.
Alternatively FocusWriter, available for both Windows and macOS. In this case, it is an app that is completely focused on writing. It offers a completely distraction-free interface. Although it is not a website blocker, it helps a lot to focus attention solely on writing.
Health care and well-being
In this case, there are two great recommendations for productivity-boosting applications that are open source. On the one hand, Workrave and on the other Safe Eyes. Both are designed to improve usage and work habits in the digital environment.
With Workrave you can receive recommendations for exercises and short routines, as well as rest periods to achieve better performance. It is an open source app with a simple but effective design and designed precisely to improve the way you perform work-related activities. In the case of Safe Eyes, it is an application that focuses on protecting your eyesight. It offers different reminders from time to time, so that you can rest your eyes and take care of them. Both apps aim to remind the user of the importance of health. Sometimes, as immersed as we are in the pace of work, we forget what is truly important.
Calendars and task organization
Managing your time correctly is the most important thing when it comes to increasing your productivity at work or school. That's why a good calendar and activity planning app comes in handy. Among the open source options you'll find multiple tools with these features. Some of the efficient and recommended ones include:
Etar. A simple, easy-to-use calendar app with an intuitive interface. It's great for organizing your day-to-day, selecting activities and organizing them in a personalized order of priority.
Lightning CalendarThis open source application is part of Thunderbird. It is a complete calendar developed by Mozilla, integrated with Thunderbird email and with complete options to manage emails and dates. It has a very clear and dynamic interface, free of distractions but with the essential features for effective organization.
Tackle. Another great open source app to improve your productivity. Set up your daily tasks and improve your time and activities in a clean interface free of distractions.
Improve productivity with open source applications on any computer
The key behind productivity apps is to focus your attention on what's important. You can improve your concentration and make it easier for you to meet your work or study goals by organizing and avoiding distractions.
The Internet is full of distractions. Multimedia content that appears spontaneously and seeks to attract the user, and in those wasted minutes there is a dispersion of energy and concentration. Through working in small blocks, with the Pomodoro technique, it is possible to improve performance in short periods. Other options are the direct blocking of distracting websites or platforms such as YouTube or Spotify, and finally calendars or agenda tools. There are several options and each one can be useful depending on the objective and the type of personality. Don't stop looking for yours.