The app that weans you off apps

This game is a clever way to make you more productive

ARE you and your smartphone attached at the hip (or thumb)? Of course, all those addictive games make cutting back on screen time even tougher – but not this game.

Forest is a mobile game that actually wants to help you knuckle down to get some work done and stop “phubbing” (snubbing someone or something else to be on your phone).

The premise is simple: when you want to force yourself to focus on something else, plant a tree in Forest. Allocate time to the task you want to accomplish, even if it’s as little as 10 minutes. That tree will grow only when your phone isn’t in use and if you leave the app – even to answer a message or phone call – your tree will die.

Once the task is complete and the tree has grown, you can add it to your little forest, which will get greener and lusher the more productive you are.

Also within the app are graphs and stats tracking your use – your productive time. Another bonus is the soothing rainforest sounds you can choose to have playing while you work.

“The sense of achievement and responsibility will encourage you to stay away from your phone, and will help you make better use of your time,” creators of the beautifully designed app explain.

Bizarrely, Forest is totally addictive – which is likely why it has almost a five-star rating and Editor’s Choice stamp of approval on both the Google Play and iTunes stores. Free on Android and iOS.

Forest allows users to set their own timeline and pick what kind of tree they want to grow while they work.