Best apps/tools for keeping work/life separate?

Dec 261 min read

I use:

Slack (deleted app from my phone, only check on computer during work hours)
Google Calendar (color coded so work blocks are obvious)
Freedom (blocks distracting sites after 6pm)
Notion (personal life planning separate from work stuff)

The Slack deletion was probably the biggest game changer. Not having it ping my phone meant I actually left work at work. Took about a week to retrain myself to not panic when I wasn't checking it.

What are you all using?

11 comments501 views

Comments(11)

PPhil B.RegularDec 26

What's Freedom block cost and is it actually worth it or are you just disciplined enough that you'd succeed without it anyway?

TTony V.RegularDec 28

I slip on the email thing maybe once a week but deleting Slack made a huge difference. Some apps are easier to avoid than others. Freedom blocks the addictive stuff specifically, I don't give myself the option to just "peek."

AAndy S.RegularDec 26

The color-coded calendar thing sounds simple but I bet it hits different when you can actually SEE the difference between your time. Might steal this.

WWalter T.RegularDec 27

Deleting Slack from your phone is genius. I kept telling myself I'd ignore notifications but obviously I wouldn't. Just having to open a browser adds enough friction.

DDrew H.RegularDec 26

to the Freedom question—I've tried the same setup but still found myself checking email on my phone. OP, do you actually stick to this or do you slip sometimes?

SSam T.New DadDec 28

Does your work respect the 'only checking on computer' thing or do people still expect Slack responses? I want to do this but worried about looking unavailable.

AAndy T.RegularDec 28

The Slack deletion is key. Having it on your phone is like carrying work in your pocket. Props for actually doing it.

KKarl J.RegularDec 28

Freedom is underrated. I use the same strategy—blocks Reddit after 6pm and it's incredible how much time opens up when you're not doom-scrolling on work stuff.

MMiles B.New DadDec 28

Color-coded calendar is such a simple hack but it actually works. You see the wall of blue (work) vs green (life) and suddenly it's obvious when you're out of balance.

JJake M.RegularDec 28

I need to try the Slack thing. My phone's become a leash. Do your coworkers give you grief about slow responses in evenings?

PPhil C.RegularDec 28

This is solid. The color-coded calendar especially because work visual bleeds into life visual if you're not careful. Have you found your team respects the boundaries or do you still get hunted down after hours?