The 4 Best Apps To Increase Productivity at Work

Today's technology has created more connection and more business opportunities than ever before.

In our hands we hold powerful devices that put all of the world's discoveries and the collective sum of all the information in the history of the entire world at our fingertips...

Paradoxically, the same technology that connects us, puts information at our fingertips, and empowers us to change the world, can also be our biggest distraction if left unchecked.

Here's how to tune out the selfies and cat videos to be a contributing force in the advancement of your mission.

Hacking Focus, Performance and Productivity

We're obsessed with maximizing productivity and squeezing every ounce of progress we can coax out of each day, week, and month.

That's one reason we love CILTEP and the concept of nootropics in general.

But optimizing your brain is only part of the equation.

Optimizing your workspace is another crucial - and often overlooked - aspect of increasing productivity.

Whether you work in an office, at home or on-the-go, here are 4 of our favorite apps to reduce distractions, improve focus and increase your productivity.

iA Writer

The perfect app for the minimalist writer looking for a distraction-free way to transfer thoughts from your head into your computer.

Available on both Mac & PC, the iA writer app is a blast from the past - it's a word processor that eliminates distractions and actually "highlights" the sentence or paragraph on which you're working for increased focus.

Here's a preview...

New in iA Writer 3.1.3: Focus Mode for paragraphs. https://t.co/L9WAdxOWx7 pic.twitter.com/1WWQemnge7
— iA Writer (@iAWriter) March 24, 2016

Increase Productivity With Brainwaves

"Melodious sounds help encourage the release of dopamine in the reward area of the brain." - Dr. Amit Sood at the Mayo Clinic

Natural Stacks fans will recognize dopamine as the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, drive, and productivity.

Scientists at Stanford University have confirmed this, reporting that music - in what's known as "The Mozart Effect" - can:

improve test scores
reduce learning time
improve clarity and focus
reduce errors
and integrates both sides of the brain

If you're ready to take advantage of the connection between music and productivity (or simply block out the distractions of your environment) here are two ways you can use music to unlock your potential:

Brainfm: "Better than binaural beats" this scientifically-based, custom brainwave music is designed to increase focus, relaxation or sleep better than binaural beats. Click HERE for a 25% discount, or CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast we recorded with the co-founders of brainfm. While the mobile app is in production, the desktop online player is a game-changer. We highly recommend brainfm.
Muji to relax: This android-based app for white noise is designed to help you relax, recharge, and a rejuvenate your mind. If you prefer white noise to brainwaves or require an app for for on-the-go use, this is a great option.

Pomodoro Timers

Work. Walk away. Work. Walk away.

Repeat two more times, then take a longer break and let it all go.

That's the 1,000-mile-view of pomodoros.

Pomodoros are a technique developed by Italian Francesco Cirillo in the 1980's. The word itself translates to "tomato", but the technique utilizes short periods of focused work separated by short breaks.

Usually the work periods are 25 or 50 minutes and the breaks are 5 or 10 minutes respectively. After 4 intervals, you take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

Pomodoros are a favorite method of time-management gurus and productivity hackers alike as there is evidence that frequent breaks improve mental agility.

In addition, these short burst of work keep you fresh, prevent burnout, reduce eye fatigue and can prevent poor posture from prolonged periods of sitting.

Plus, knowing you only 25 or 50 minutes has a sneaky way of pushing you to focus and work to beat the clock.

There are numerous timer and methods of implementing pomodoros. We like the Marinara Pomodoro Timer

WHAT DO YOU USE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY? SHARE YOUR TIPS IN THE COMMENTS.