Easily Distracted? Try These Apps that Block Websites & Other Distractions

Working at home is awesome, right? I mean, you get to work in your pajamas, free from distractions such as coworkers bugging you with mindless gossip. You can watch your morning show, get a load of laundry done, or go out for a walk without anyone wondering where you are.

But then, there is the ever-present draw of online time-sucking activities like checking Facebook (guilty), getting lost on Wikipedia (guilty), and checking e-mail a billion times a day (guilty).

That’s where these helpful apps come into play. They’ll either block websites for you for a specified amount of time or log how much time you spend on them each day (shaming is effective, right?).

Apps that Block Websites (and Other Online Distractions)

1. Rescue Time: This app will show you how you spend your time on your computer by logging your activity, and then forwarding that report to you. I have used it, and I have to say that it is eye-opening to see how much time I spent doing certain activities on my PC. It is free, unless you go for their pro plan. But, I have been happy with the free version.
2. LeechBlock: Here is a Firefox add-on that will block up to 6 sites specified by you. It’s fairly flexible in that you can specify set time periods (like, an hour each day), after a time limit (like 15 minutes every hour), or a combination of both. I just wish Chrome had something similar. I’ll have to look into that…
3. WriteRoom: If you’re a writer who uses a Mac, then this may be a godsend. It pares down your screen to one function: writing. It also works on your iPad and iPhone…although the thought of writing on my iPhone makes my eyes hurt.
4. Anti-Social: This is an app for the Mac that totally blocks social sites for a set amount of time (set by you, of course). The only way to get around the block is to reboot your computer. Costs $15.
5. Freedom: Here is another app for the Mac or PC for those who have an Internet addiction. It blocks Internet access (not just websites) for up to 8 hours at a time. Getting around it requires a reboot. Costs $10, but there is a free trial.

What about you? Do you have any apps that block websites and other online distractions?

Any tips or techniques? Please share!

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