THRIVING IN CHAOS, BY VICTORIA PREW

Reclaim Your Time: Apps That Help You Switch Off

Read time: 5 minutes

Happy Monday team 👋

Here are three interesting ideas (business, entrepreneurship, and personal growth) to start your week:

Business: Get Brick
​Articles & Resources: To control your time
​My Challenge To You: From 9pm...

My best Christmas present this year wasn’t something flashy—it was a BRICK. Well, not a literal one, but a small device that removes distracting apps and notifications from my phone. I’d say I’m saving at least 2+ hours a day right now.

With the press of a button, this little square lifesaver blocks my phone from being anything more than a phone. No apps. No distractions. No unnecessary functions (except the ones I allow). Genius, right?

I stick it on the fridge while I’m working—a physical reminder that sometimes, to lock in focus, you need to lock out distractions.

It got me thinking: what else is out there that can help us step away from this “always-on” world? Because let’s be honest, being constantly connected is exhausting.

So, I’ve rounded up a few tools that are helping me unplug, reclaim my focus, and find more balance in my day.

🛠 Apps That Help You Unplug

🚪 Freedom​
This app is like a digital “do not disturb” sign. It blocks distractions so you can focus on what matters—whether that’s work, family, or enjoying a quiet coffee.
​Try it for: Creating uninterrupted “off-grid” time.

🧘 Insight Timer​
My go-to for winding down. Packed with free meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep tracks, just five minutes can feel like a full reset for your day.
​Try it for: Evening rituals or calming pre-bed routines.

🌱 Forest​
A beautifully simple concept: Stay off your phone, and grow a virtual tree. The more you focus, the more your forest grows. It’s oddly satisfying and the perfect antidote to mindless scrolling.
​Try it for: Work sprints, reading breaks, or simply unplugging from notifications.

🧘‍♀️ Bend​
This app helps you prioritise your body through guided stretches that improve flexibility, reduce tension, and boost energy—all in a few minutes a day. I use it whilst I'm in between meetings or waiting for dinner to cook.
​Try it for: Breaking up long work sessions or ending your day.

📚 Articles & Resources:

• ​The Science of Why Rest Fuels Creativity​
  Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses how rest and specific practices can enhance creativity and innovation.
• ​The Pomodoro Technique​
  Learn about the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method involving focused work intervals and breaks to boost productivity.

🌟 My Challenge to You

This week, try this: Set one boundary for your downtime. Whether it’s leaving your phone in another room during dinner or turning on “Do Not Disturb” after 9 PM, notice how it makes you feel.

Switching off doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s about finding moments that work for you—and protecting them fiercely.

Let me know if you try any of these ideas (or apps!). I’d love to hear what works for you—or what your favourite tools for unplugging are. Have a great week, and chat next Monday!

Victoria

P.S. Feel free to share this with a friend who could use a little more time. Sharing is caring.