See the forest for the trees: The Forest app helps you stay off your phone by growing a virtual tree while you focus on your tasks (get it free with in-app purchases for iOS or Android). If you leave the app to do something else, your tree dies. It’s a pretty cute visual reinforcement to keep you focused.
How to get ahold of someone whose iPhone is on Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb mode has been standard on smartphones for a long time, and it’s excellent for keeping distractions at bay. It’s a great feature, but people avoid using it for fear of missing important calls and messages from certain people. Not to worry!
Here’s how to get around that so you can use Do Not Disturb without worry.
First, a refresher
Do Not Disturb mode does just that — it silences calls, alerts and notifications while your phone is locked (check out the Notification Center to see what you missed). You can set it up during work or when you need a break.
But what if someone you care about is trying to get through? That’s what exceptions are for. We’ll show you how to set up Do Not Disturb precisely how you want it.
Let these people through
Here’s how to let select people’s messages come through when using Do Not Disturb mode:
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
- Tap People and make sure Allow Notifications From is checked.
- Tap Add People and choose from your list of contacts.
- Tap Done when you’re finished.
What about phone calls? There’s a separate setting for that:
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
- Tap People, then tap the option next to Allow Calls From (the default is Contact Only)
- Choose Allowed People Only to let the people you added in the steps above ring your phone.
Bypassing Do Not Disturb with the Find My app
The Find My app lets you find your lost device by giving directions and playing a sound. This vital tool bypasses Do Not Disturb as well.
Have bad eyesight? Try one of these vision training apps
As we age, our vision is among the first senses to degrade. Our eyes’ ability to focus lessens over time, which is most noticeable while reading or using a phone or computer.
Vision training apps claim to help improve eyesight and keep your eyes healthier. We can’t say they definitely work, but some free apps are worth checking out if you’re sick of reading glasses or don’t want to bump up your prescription strength.
The future is hybrid
Volvo just dropped its all-electric plan, joining other carmakers moving away from EVs. With limited charging stations and a focus on hybrids, the push for electric cars is losing steam.
Ford’s new EV strategy has a $1.9B price tag: The automaker is shifting its focus from huge trucks and SUVs to smaller, more affordable EVs to compete with Chinese rivals. A commercial van is coming in 2026, followed by a midsized pickup and the T3 full-sized pickup.
7 tips and tricks to make Windows 11 more useful
You may want to check out a few changes in Windows 11. They can help you maintain focus or provide faster ways to get things done. You can even play around with some settings to make the new Windows feel like past versions. We’ll go through some of them to help you get started.
Setting up a new PC? 5 must-do steps for seniors
Social media platforms are aimed at a demographic, commonly teenagers. What about other groups such as seniors? The AARP backs a platform designed for seniors to interact and share common interests. Tap or click here to learn more.
Johns Hopkins University via DailyMail.co.uk
Can you spot the T within 10 seconds? It says a lot about your ability to focus.
Students shocked by smartphone bans
Could this be the key to better learning? Students think so! With more focus, less anxiety, and better social interactions, many are seeing real benefits from the change.
Kids shouldn't learn computer coding
Coding was once hailed as essential for future careers, but AI advancements are quickly changing that.
Leave me alone: You’re trying to get something done on your PC and the notifications won’t stop. Click on the Start menu > Settings > System > Focus assist. You’ll see options for customizing the notifications you receive — including one to make them all silent.
Find your focus: Got a bunch of windows cluttering your screen? Maximize the one you’re using and ignore the rest. On Windows, hit the Windows key + up arrow. On a Mac, just move your mouse to the top left of the window and click the green button.
Hidden features to try now on your Windows PC or Mac
I’m often asked if the latest Mac or Windows update is ready for prime time. Unfortunately, most of us have dealt with enough buggy software that we’re hesitant to hit “install” on a significant upgrade.
If you haven’t jumped up to macOS Monterey or Windows 11, I can safely say it’s time. Before you update, take one important step and make sure you have enough space for it. Tap or click here to see how much storage is available on your computer.
‘Bart Simpson bouncing’ or ‘baptism piracy’ — what do you hear in this auditory illusion?
Puzzles, word games and illusions can help us test and better understand how our minds work. Taking some time out of your day to train your brain can help you relax and find your focus.
Optical illusions have been around forever, and we’re still fascinated by them. The same goes for the myth of unicorns, which dates back to the Bronze Age. Those two ideas come together in an optical illusion that will give your eyes some healthy exercise. Tap or click here and see if you can spot the horse among unicorns.
What this optical illusion reveals about your brain
Have you ever wondered what influences your personality? Researchers are always trying to figure out what makes people tick. But while they might be no closer to an answer, one thing is clear: people see and interpret images very differently.
The best, easiest ways to print photos from your phone or computer
The quality of a photo depends on many factors such as the camera, lighting, composition, exposure, focus and more. Your smartphone camera takes much of the guesswork out by making all these settings automatic. A more proactive photographer can tweak these settings to their liking.
8 of the best new Mac features you haven't tried yet
We all love a good update, and Apple is known for bringing in some real power each time they launch a new operating system. Tap or click here for the best tips and tricks in iOS 15. The trend continues with the introduction of macOS Monterey.
iOS 15 Beta: 4 things you'll love and one you'll hate
Apple’s iOS 14.5 has only been out for a few months but the company is already parading the next version of its operating system. The first tangible details about iOS 15 popped up last month in the developer preview.
This free plugin blocks websites that distract you during the workday
If you’ve temporarily transitioned from life in an office to working from home, you may be struggling to stay focused when you’re supposed to be working. It can be hard to adjust to a new normal — especially with the slew of new distractions that pique your interest online every single day.