If you're like me, you probably sit down at your computer with the intention to work, then find yourself checking Facebook, listening to a bit of a new podcast and later emailing your mom for her birthday.
With so many distractions present, it can be tough to get work done. Luckily, there are plenty of productivity tools to help us get through the workday. The following six productivity tools can help you get things done faster, quicker and with greater efficiency.
RescueTime
Does a lot of your time get devoted to non-work-related sites like Facebook, Twitter or Distractify? If so, then you might just want to check out RescueTime. RescueTime is an app with a plugin that tracks the time you spend on different applications and websites, then shows you a report at the end of the day. The app may shed some light on where all your time is being allotted (including where it was wasted and where you accomplished tasks) so you can redistribute to get more done. It can also block certain websites for your temporarily, if you tell the app how long you want to focus for.
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Slack
If you work in an office, you probably spend a lot of time communicating with coworkers. Simplify that process with Slack -- a messaging app that allows multiple coworkers to chat in one place. Think of Slack as a chatroom that integrates with other apps you already use - upload files, send GIFs, check out web analytics and more. Slack is especially good if your office is a designed with an open plan, since private Slack chats can take the place of "closed door" meetings.
Sanebox
Did you know that, on average, employees spend more than 40 percent of their time dealing with internal emails? Cut down on this unnecessary time-suck by using Sanebox. Sanebox is an email management tool that can learn what emails you want to read (and which are important to you), and what you might like filtered out. The program allows for one-click unsubscribing, response tracking and email snoozing, so you can pay attention to the important emails right away -- and get back to the less important ones when you have more time.
uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is an adblocking plugin that works much like the more powerful adblockers on the market -- except it doesn't slow down your browser or use as much memory while it works. This means that uBlock can keep pesky ads away, while your online work speed remains as fast as ever.
Bidsketch
If you're a designer, or have a job where you regularly have to submit proposals to clients, a tool like Bidsketch can save you tons of time. Bidsketch provides pre-designed client proposals, allowing you to choose a format that looks professional, without having to design it. Bidsketch also allows for electronic signatures, so no need for paper back and forths, and they are easily customizable, so you don't have to spend time making them look great.
