Top 3 Apps I Use When Working From Home
They make a real difference!
The past few years have changed the way we work. For many, the ability to work from home has improved productivity, time management and the amount of work being done.
However, sometimes it can be easy to lose track of time, especially when you’re working on long tasks. That’s why in this article, I decided to share 3 apps that I use for working from home.
Not only do these apps help me stay on top of things, but they also help me stay focused and ensure that I don’t miss any meetings.
The best part about these apps is that you can also use them when you’re in the office!
But without any further ado, here are my top 3 apps that I use for working from home…
1. Galarm
First on the list is Galarm, an app I reviewed in the past. It’s essentially a social alarm and reminders app that helps you, your friends, family, and colleagues stay on top of things.
The concept of the app is simple, you set alarms for important tasks and your phone will notify you and others at the right time.
I tend to use this app a lot when working from home. I set alarms to remind me about meetings and calls, the time I come back from lunch and anything urgent that I need to work on.
The premium version, which I’m subscribed to, offers even more features, such as the ability to set pre-reminder alarms. This works great when I need to prepare for meetings.
It also unlocks Galarm Web, which allows you to manage your alarms in your browser, and you get unlimited group alarms, buddy alarms and instant alarms.
You can check out a full list of premium features here. One of my favourite things about Galarm is its pricing, at the time of this article, not only do you get a free 14-day trial to premium, but the cost of the app is very reasonable. The monthly option casts only 89p per month, or £8.49 per year in the UK.
2. Endel
Next on the list, we have Endel. Endel is an app I discovered thanks to Liam Porritt, and it’s another app that I pay premium for.
It’s astonishing what difference a basic app such as an alarms app or, in this case, a soundscapes’ app can make in your everyday life.
Endel is an audio app that creates personalised soundscapes that match your activities. With the help of artificial intelligence, the app helps you to enhance focus, sleep, relax and power you through activities.
I use Endel in various scenarios, such as when I’m trying to focus on long tasks when working from home.
When I do go into the office, I find that using Endel during my morning commute helps me start the day relaxed and ready to work.
During breaks, I like to go out for walks. Whether it’s to go to the shop or just to get some fresh air and exercise, I find that using Endel during those walks helps me relax and feel refreshed for the afternoon shift.
Those are just some reasons I like Endel and I invite you to check out my full review of this game-changing app.
3. BusyCal
The last app on the list is BusyCal, my default calendar app of choice.
I don’t use this app to manage my work calendar as I like to keep things separate, but I do use it to manage my time.
I like to plan my week in advance, I start by entering my all my day job shifts as well as their locations, so whether I’m working from home or one of our offices. I then add everything else.
As a part-time content creator, it can be difficult to find time to create content, especially if you have other priorities. But adding all of my shifts into a calendar app, helps me find time to create content and focus on other things.
BusyCal is a powerful calendar app available on macOS, iOS, and watchOS. It’s highly customisable and packed with many useful features such as travel time, an integrated tasks list, tags and more.
The app has a clean and easy to use interface, on macOS, iOS and Watch OS, and it comes with some pretty cool widgets that help me keep on top of things.
If you are keen to learn more about BusyCal, have a look at my full review.
Overall, I think that BusyCal is a great and if you have a Setapp subscription, it comes included!
For those of you who haven’t heard about Setapp before, it’s basically an app subscription service, where you pay a fixed monthly price and gain access to over 240 powerful apps! I pay $12.49 per month and that provides me with access to apps for 1 Mac and unto 4 iOS devices, but there are other options available. If you are interested in checking out Setapp, I am leaving my affiliate link. You even get 7 days free!
Bonus Tip: Use iPhone Focus Profiles!
If you are an Apple user, I highly recommend setting up Focus profiles.
With the help of Focus profiles, you can block notifications from distracting apps, change the apps that appear on your Home Screen and even your watch face.
I have two profiles which I use for work. I have my standard Work profile which disables notifications from all but essential apps and sets my Home Screen to only feature the apps I use for work, such as Teams and Outlook. It also sets my Apple Watch, watch face to feature my work calendar and widgets relevant to my working day. This mode activates automatically during my day job hours.
I have a second mode called Office profile, which does everything my work profile does, but in addition, it also sets my phone to silent so that it doesn’t distract people around me. Using location, I’ve set this mode to activate automatically when I reach the office.
Final Thoughts
There are some great apps out there, but when it comes to working from home and work in general, these three apps make a big difference to me and that’s what matters.
However, I am always open to discovering new apps, that is why I want to hear your top 3 apps that you use when working from home. The only rule is that these apps have to make a difference to your everyday life.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.