Drowning in distractions has become second nature in a world where notifications, social media feeds, and endless scrolling dominate daily routines. Finding a way to break free from the cycle of mindless phone use is no easy feat, but the Forest app manages to turn this struggle into something productive.
Unlike traditional focus apps that rely on timers and alarms, this one taps into a more instinctive motivation — guilt. Every time a session begins, a virtual seed is planted. If focus remains uninterrupted, that seed grows into a flourishing tree. Give in to temptation, though, and the tree withers, leaving behind a stark reminder of failure.
For those accustomed to productivity apps that let them slide when discipline wavers, Forest is refreshingly unforgiving. The straightforward mechanics make it easy to integrate into daily routines. Setting a timer takes seconds, and once a session begins, the stakes are clear: stay off the phone or kill the tree. For longer commitments, multiple trees can be planted, turning an entire workday into a growing digital forest, which stands as proof of productivity, a visual representation of time well spent rather than lost in an algorithmic abyss.
Beyond the personal challenge, Forest links digital progress to real-world impact. Coins earned through completed focus sessions can be used to plant actual trees in partnership with environmental organisations. Knowing that successful sessions contribute to reforestation efforts makes each focus period feel even more rewarding. It’s a rare example of gamification that extends beyond the app itself, bridging the gap between digital behaviour and tangible results.
Functionality remains straightforward, but Forest offers several customisation options to make the experience more personal. Tags allow users to categorise focus sessions by task, whether it’s work, study, relaxation, or exercise. Reviewing past sessions through the Forest history feature offers insights into productivity habits, making it easier to identify trends and areas for improvement. Achievements provide an extra incentive, rewarding users with additional coins for hitting milestones like consecutive days of focus or long-duration sessions.
A premium version unlocks advanced features, including the ability to blacklist distracting apps, access more tree varieties, and sync progress across multiple devices. While the free version remains effective, upgrading provides additional flexibility for those looking to refine their focus strategy. Deep Focus mode, exclusive to the premium tier, goes a step further by completely locking the phone during a session, ensuring that even the most persistent distractions are blocked.
The app isn’t just a solo endeavour. Sharing progress with friends or coworkers adds a communal element, turning focus sessions into a shared challenge. Team competitions or personal accountability partnerships can enhance motivation, reinforcing the idea that productivity doesn’t have to be a lonely pursuit.
Forest is available on both the Apple App Store for S$5.98 and Google Play Store for free, with an optional membership plan starting from S$6 available. More information about Forest can be found on the website.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
