m+work: The Apps to download to boost Focus and productivity

Juggling projects alongside motherhood is not easy as we know, there’s always one more task, idea, or distraction clamouring for your attention.

Thankfully, a handful of well designed apps can help you carve out mental space, streamline your workflow and help you to keep your focus whilst handling the beautiful yet often chaotic aspects of family life.

Here’s a carefully curated list of tech tools that we recommend downloading whether it’s blocking distractions during work hours, managing to do lists without overwhelm, or capturing ideas on the go.

1. Focus Keeper

Inspired by the Pomodoro Technique, Focus Keeper helps you work in short bursts with regular breaks to keep your energy up. Perfect for mums who only have 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time but want to make it count.

Pricing: Free with optional in-app purchases. Download Focus Keeper for iOS

2. Notion

Notion is the ultimate all-in-one workspace that is perfect for organising notes, projects and family schedules in one place. Its drag and drop interface is user friendly, and it offers templates designed specifically for creatives and parents.

Pricing: Free for personal use; paid plans start at £7/month Download Notion

3. Forest

Want to resist the temptation to scroll endlessly? Forest gamifies focus by growing a virtual tree when you stay off your phone. If you pick up your device too soon, your tree withers. Bonus: it’s a great visual reminder to your kids about screen free time, too.
Pricing: One-time purchase approx. £2.99 Download Forest for iOS

4. Todoist

For simple, effective task management, Todoist is a classic. With natural language input ("Buy groceries tomorrow at 4pm") and recurring task features, it’s great for busy parents balancing work deadlines and family errands.
Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium from £3/month Download Todoist

5. Headspace

Sometimes the best productivity hack is a clear mind. Headspace offers short, guided meditations and mindfulness exercises tailored for busy parents to reduce stress and improve concentration.
Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium from £9.99/month Download Headspace

Making Tech Work for Your Family Life

While apps can boost your productivity, it’s equally important to set boundaries around tech use for you and your family. Consider the following:

• Designating tech-free times during family meals or before bedtime.

• Using apps like Forest together to make screen-free time fun for kids.

• Turning off non-essential notifications to reduce distractions.

• Encouraging offline creative play to balance screen time.