{"id":2919,"date":"2023-09-22T13:44:26","date_gmt":"2023-09-22T13:44:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/project.co\/?p=2919"},"modified":"2024-11-20T13:41:24","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T13:41:24","slug":"chrome-extensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/project.co\/chrome-extensions\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Must-have Chrome extensions for productivity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In today\u2019s distraction-heavy world, we all know that productivity isn\u2019t something that comes easily. We need to take all the advantages we possibly can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apps, websites, tools, self-help books, training courses and expert speakers all have their part to play in helping us with one easily said, yet all-encompassing mission: to get the most out of our day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll focus on one particular type of tool that enjoys a unique advantage; they live in the very place where most of our biggest distractions happen – and, typically, where we do a great deal of our work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at 18 must-have Chrome extensions for productivity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s a Chrome extension?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chrome extensions are small software programs that customise the browsing experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They sit in the top right corner of Google Chrome for quick access, and many work in the background – performing simple tasks like blocking ads and providing web shortcuts, through to more advanced functionality like toolbars and password storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Site blockers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve hinted at it already: the internet is full <\/em>of distractions. And when distraction hits, it’s not so easy to recover your productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n <\/i>Statistic\n<\/div>\n
\n It can take a whopping 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction! \n
\n Source: <\/strong>The Muse<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Websites like news sites and social media are an endless source of temptation. And if you find yourself struggling to summon the willpower to overcome that inner voice – you might want to check out some of these site blocker extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. FocusGuard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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FocusGuard<\/a> is a simple but powerful extension that lets you block sites that you recognise are just bad for productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By default, FocusGuard – when enabled – will block YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter\/X and Reddit. But, of course, you can add or remove URLs according to your unique distractions and needs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also customise FocusGuard to allow you on these sites during scheduled break periods – which you can customise on the ‘Time Settings’ menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Strict Workflow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Productivity, by definition, is getting work done as quickly as possible. But while that leads many to concentrate on hitting work with maximum focus for as long as possible – this isn\u2019t necessarily the best idea. Truth is, it\u2019s actually bordering on impossible to work for extended periods without taking a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strict Workflow<\/a> is a site blocking extension that lets you bake this into your day. First, you can populate your blocked sites list. Then, you can specify your work and rest periods. So you might want to \u2018work\u2019 for 10 minutes, followed by a \u2018break\u2019 of 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to get onto one of your blocked sites during a \u2018work\u2019 period and you\u2019ll be told pretty sternly to get back to work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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But, during your break periods, anything goes – giving you the freedom to check in on your favourite sites and social feeds, guilt-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maybe you don\u2019t want to work in fixed periods like this, but still want to ensure you get enough breaks in between your work for the day to keep you productive and sane<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limit<\/a> lets you do this really well. It lets you set limits for particular sites – for example, you might not want to spend more than 20 minutes per day on Facebook – and then \u2018chip away\u2019 at those however you like, without ultimately spending too much time on any of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every minute you spend on one of these sites counts against your limit and, once it\u2019s reached, you\u2019ll be blocked from viewing those pages and reminded to crack on with work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Procrastinator<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Procrastinator<\/a> is the ideal site blocker for people who enjoy having a regimented work day with specific time windows. So, for example, if you work between 9am and 12pm, take a break, then work again 1:30pm-3:25pm, Procrastinator lets you specify and enforce this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve seen with other extensions, this lets you set which sites you wish to limit, and then manually enter the times you want to block each site within. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n <\/i>Expert Tip\n<\/div>\n
\n Don’t forget it works both ways. You could also use this to block yourself from using work sites during break periods!\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Task management & time tracking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They say what gets measured gets improved – and Chrome Extensions are a great way to both measure <\/em>how your time is spent, and put together task lists that lay out what you need to achieve in a given day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Toggl<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Toggl<\/a> is a time tracker that logs how much time you spend on a particular task – with a reminder function to remind you when it\u2019s time for a rest period. It\u2019s not just <\/em>a Chrome Extension – you can use it across a wide number of devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a great way to actually measure and improve where your time is spent in a day. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n <\/i>Recommended Article\n<\/div>\n
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\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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21 of the BEST Time Management Apps<\/a><\/div>\n
Time is such a precious asset – once it\u2019s gone there’s no getting it back. So we rounded up the best time management apps to help you get more out of each day.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

6. Todoist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Todoist<\/a> is a pretty well-known name in the field of to-do lists and task management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Todoist Chrome Extension offers a shortcut to create simple, quick, convenient to-do lists, right from within your browser – and then tick things off in your browser as you go, without opening a separate website or app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since checked-off tasks stick around in your completed tasks, it\u2019s a great way to track achievements and progress, too – working out exactly what you did on a given day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydration and health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

7. Noisli <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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We all know that background noise can be distracting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while many creatives turn to music – this can be equally distracting with lyrics to break into your concentration flow, different tempos and musical ambiences that can inspire but also destabilise you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that sounds familiar, you might like to try Noisli<\/a> – a simple but powerful extension that lets you create your own mix of ambient sounds, blending noises including coffee shop ambience, rain, wind, fans, white noise, and more, to create your ultimate focus mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noisli, as with many other extensions we\u2019ve covered in this post, also has a built-in timer feature, which allows you to specify how long you\u2019d like your ambient noise to play for continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This can offer a useful cue to start (and stop!) work, ensuring optimal break periods and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Tab limiter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be honest: how many tabs do you have open right now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of us start the day with one tab, which soon multiplies – one by one – with tabs \u2018saved for later,\u2019 and dozens of tasks on the go at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trying to focus on too many things is the easiest way to wind up focusing on nothing. So what we\u2019re saying is, too many tabs can impact your focus and clarity, not to mention slowing down your computer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our experience, limiting tabs is a great way to reduce distractions, increase focus and minimise temptation to \u2018multi-task\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tab Limiter<\/a> is a \u2018so simple, you wish you\u2019d have thought of it yourself\u2019<\/em> extension that lets you limit the number of tabs you have open at any time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can set your own limits in terms of how many tabs is too many, and when you reach this number, you\u2019ll receive a message that explains you\u2019ve reached the max (and the message can also be customised.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motivation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Human beings aren\u2019t machines! We\u2019re complex living beings, pulled in a hundred different directions by a hundred different variables. The way we feel, the tasks we have to do, how we slept, even the weather. Sometimes, going to the well takes a little extra motivation. And Chrome Extensions are on hand to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Quotes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ever feeling uninspired or demotivated – tied up in the minutiae of your day rather than the bigger picture of \u2018why\u2019 you\u2019re doing it – Quotes<\/a> might be for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This extension lets you click a simple icon to get a random powerful quote to help motivate and refocus you! Whenever you need it, it\u2019s there: a great source of inspiration and motivation on demand without leaving whatever site you\u2019re currently browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First quote doesn\u2019t do it for you? Click it again, and get another one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Motivate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Motivate<\/a> is very similar to Quotes. It’s a simple app that gives you a boost of motivation with a powerful quote whenever you open a new tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the event that you\u2019re opening a tab with the illicit intention of checking your Facebook page –  this motivational quote might help you correct course!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Time management and health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

11. Breathing.ai<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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