Sometimes, when using a computer, we find ourselves trying to accomplish more in less time. This often leads us to explore a variety of productivity tools. But are these apps truly necessary to be productive? My answer is both yes and no.

Think about a moment when you genuinely felt productive. Did you rely on an app or some fancy tool? The answer is probably no, right? With just a pen and paper, you can create endless solutions tailored to your needs. You can design a Kanban board, manage tasks, or jot down to-do lists. All these productivity methods are free and accessible with nothing more than a pen and paper.

Why Productivity Tools Matter?

Now, you might be thinking, “Why are we discussing pen and paper? I’m here to learn about productivity tools, so just give me some app recommendations!” And that’s fair. In today’s modern era, most people prefer digital tools over traditional methods. They argue that pen and paper are not fast, flexible, or convenient. To some extent, they’re right. We always carry a phone, tablet, or laptop, and with constant access to the internet, digital tools often feel like the natural choice. Perhaps the secret to productivity lies in embracing digitalism?

Personally, I believe both approaches—digital and traditional—have their merits. While I find pen and paper invaluable, today I’ll focus on sharing some fantastic digital productivity tools. Let’s dive in!

Key Categories of Productivity Tools

• Zen Browser: Zen is a must-have productivity tool for me because it prioritizes privacy, efficiency, and performance. It offers everything I need in a browser. One standout feature is the ability to split your screen and multitask seamlessly. Zen also uses a vertical tab system, which I find far superior to horizontal tabs. It’s much easier to follow and manage your tabs without distractions.

• Obsidian: Obsidian is an open-source, cross-platform note-taking application that’s fast, stable, and highly customizable. You can take notes instantly and enhance its functionality with a variety of plugins. In fact, I’m writing this blog in Obsidian, and it will be shared automatically.

• Linux: Linux is a vast topic, but I’ll keep it brief. For me, Linux simplifies everything I need to do. Unlike Windows, which comes bloated with unused applications, Linux is lightweight, fast, and completely customizable. It empowers users to carve out their own workflows. Features like tiling window managers, workspaces, and customizable shortcuts are massive advantages.

• Virtual Cottage: If you have an ADHD personality or just struggle to focus, this app is a game-changer! It’s simple yet efficient. You can create to-do lists, manage your study or work sessions, and stay focused on your tasks. It also includes a built-in music player that streams relaxing, chill-vibe music to help you concentrate.

• FreshRSS and Kavita: For avid readers, these two apps are fantastic.

  • FreshRSS: A user-friendly RSS reader. Just add some RSS links, and you can access all the latest content from your favorite websites in one place.

  • Kavita: Perfect for managing eBooks, comics, and PDFs. It’s essentially a library for your reading materials, accessible across all devices.

Both apps require self-hosting, but it’s simpler than it sounds. I plan to write a detailed post about self-hosted apps soon, so stay tuned if you’re interested!

• Anki: Anki is probably the most well-known tool on this list, but it deserves a spot here. If you need to learn or memorize anything, Anki is your best friend. It uses the Spaced Repetition technique, making it an incredible tool for language learners, medical students, or anyone diving into complex topics. Just don’t overdo it—too many Anki decks can become overwhelming!

• Pen and Paper: I couldn’t leave this one out. Pen and paper are timeless tools for productivity and creativity. They also offer cognitive benefits—writing by hand gives you more time to think and refine your ideas, unlike typing, where speed often overtakes deliberation. If you’re looking to take a break from the digital world, pen and paper are your best companions.

How to Choose the Right Productivity Tool?

There’s no single “right” productivity tool! The best tool is the one that makes you feel comfortable and fits your workflow. Some apps may offer more features, but who cares? The main idea is that if a tool meets your needs, it’s the right choice for you.

Sure, you might miss out on certain features—but do you really need them? Simplicity is key. Keep things straightforward, and you’ll find it much easier to stay productive!

Top Recommendations for Beginners

Hello, beginners!

So, you’ve decided to install some apps to boost your productivity—great choice! But slow down! I get it—you’re eager to download every app that seems useful, but that’s not the best approach.

Installing too many apps at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Instead, take it slow. Start by choosing just 2–3 apps and focus on getting comfortable with them. Once you feel confident and think, “Okay, I’m managing well with these tools; now I’m ready to add more,” then you can install additional apps.

Remember, productivity isn’t about quantity—it’s about finding the right tools and using them effectively. Take your time, and you’ll see better results!

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Productivity

That’s about it! There are countless applications available online, but you can’t use them all. Take a moment to think about what you truly need, and make your choices accordingly. Avoid installing a bunch of apps at once—you won’t be able to use them all effectively.

For me, the best apps are Obsidian, Zen, and Virtual Cottage. These three keep me productive. Whenever I do a fresh Linux install, I focus solely on these apps, and they’re all I need to stay organized and efficient.

Some self-hosted apps allow you to become more productive but we’ll talk about it later!

See you in the next post! Have a great day!