{"id":208103,"date":"2022-12-21T16:15:31","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T15:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=208103"},"modified":"2025-07-01T20:14:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T03:14:49","slug":"disconnect-during-christmas-with-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/disconnect-during-christmas-with-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"Disconnect during Christmas and have time for you and your loved ones"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christmas and the holidays should be about <strong>spending time with your <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/become-santa-claus-games\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>loved ones<\/strong><\/a> and friends. It\u2019s hard to do that when you\u2019re constantly connected to the internet, scrolling social media or reading emails. You need to learn to focus on what\u2019s important around you so you <a href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/how-to-entertain-the-kids-holidays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">don\u2019t miss out on life<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To that end, I\u2019ve compiled a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/track-santa-with-your-children\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">list of apps<\/a> that will help you <strong>disconnect during Christmas<\/strong> so you have more time for other things. Say goodbye to annoying emails and message notifications, and kiss your loved one until he or she knows how much they mean to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/freedom-web-blocker.en.softonic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freedom | Block Distractions<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, you want to work on your <a href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/generate-gifts-ideas-apps-holidays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christmas present ideas<\/a>, but the work keeps emailing you, or is social media calling your name? The Freedom app is designed to block any applications on your device, giving you downtime to unwind. It also lets you disconnect during a set period, such as Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s a <strong>handy scheduling tool<\/strong> where you can set daily times when you don\u2019t want the internet or social apps to distract you. If you plan on blocking your emails, just make sure you set an automatic response so everyone knows you\u2019re away from keyboard\/screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"705\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-1024x705.png\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas 1\" class=\"wp-image-208107\" title=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-1024x705.png 1024w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-300x207.png 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-768x529.png 768w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-150x103.png 150w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1.png 1162w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.stayfocused\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stay Focused: Site &amp; App Block<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you can use Stay Focused to improve your productivity at work, it also helps with peace of mind. It lets you <strong>set the days and times <\/strong>you want different apps blocked, which means no pesky notifications. You can now spend time with your children during Christmas without distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another excellent feature is showing you how much <strong>time you\u2019ve spent<\/strong> during the day <strong>staring at the screen<\/strong>. You\u2019ll notice which apps have the most of your attention and can proceed to block them. All you need is the self-discipline to do so, and hopefully, your family is enough motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-2.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas 1\" class=\"wp-image-208108\" width=\"268\" height=\"526\" title=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-2.jpg 408w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-2-153x300.jpg 153w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-2-6x12.jpg 6w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-2-150x294.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.urbandroid.ddc&amp;cjevent=4a168357805b11ed820e41090a18050f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Detox: Focus &amp; Live<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an app that has your state of mind at heart. Digital Detox understands how <strong>toxic being connected all the time<\/strong> can be. When you don\u2019t have a signal on your phone or your data has run out, you panic that you\u2019ve missed something. If this sounds familiar, then it\u2019s time to disconnect completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can schedule times when you want your device to disconnect from the internet and apps. You\u2019ll have more time to focus on Christmas and your family and not stress about notifications. Digital Detox even makes it fun, <strong>granting you achievements<\/strong> when you accomplish goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-3.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas 1\" class=\"wp-image-208109\" width=\"300\" height=\"534\" title=\"Disconnect during Christmas \" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-3.jpg 450w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-3-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-3-7x12.jpg 7w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-3-150x267.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.qqlabs.minimalistlauncher&amp;cjevent=853885f1805b11ed818a50880a18b8fa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimalist phone: Productivity<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you can\u2019t disconnect completely due to the nature of your work or life, then Minimalist phone: Productivity may be able to help. It lets you <strong>select specific apps<\/strong> or modes you want to block while retaining other notifications. In this way, you can ease your way off your device and still focus on Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <strong>customize several settings<\/strong>, such as the color and themes. Also, it\u2019s helpful if there are apps you spend way too much time on that you want to wean yourself off. When you\u2019re ready, you can use it to go to the extreme and cut yourself from the internet completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"521\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-45.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas 1\" class=\"wp-image-208110\" title=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-45.jpg 521w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-45-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-45-238x134.jpg 238w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-45-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-45-150x85.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=tech.miidii.offscreen_android&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Offscreen<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What better way to motivate yourself to disconnect during Christmas than to <strong>study your current behavior<\/strong>. Offscreen analyses every action you take on your device. Some stats include how often you tap on your screen, how long you spend on social media, and how regularly you check your phone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From these details, you\u2019ll be able to set goals for the acts you find yourself doing the most. For example, you can try to spend <strong>more time away from your phone<\/strong>. You can also make it a habit to unlock your device later in the day than you usually do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-5.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" class=\"wp-image-208111\" width=\"273\" height=\"485\" title=\"unplug over Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-5.jpg 450w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-5-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-5-7x12.jpg 7w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-5-150x267.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 273px) 100vw, 273px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.mddev.phoneless&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Phoneless<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps you only want to <strong>limit how much you use your phone<\/strong> during Christmas time. You know you need more sleep so you have the energy to spend time with the family the next day. Phoneless may be the ideal app for you, sharing your habits so you can make key decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you find yourself spending way too much time watching videos or browsing social media late into the morning, just use the app to <strong>disconnect at a specific time<\/strong>. You can also monitor which apps you use the most. The goal is to be phoneless for as long as possible every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-6.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" class=\"wp-image-208112\" width=\"286\" height=\"509\" title=\"unplug over Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-6.jpg 450w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-6-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-6-7x12.jpg 7w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-6-150x267.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 286px) 100vw, 286px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/opal-screen-time-for-focus.en.softonic.com\/iphone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Opal<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many publications have awarded Opal as the <strong>number one screen-time focus app<\/strong>. While monitoring how much time you spend on your phone, you can decide how much you want to cut it. It will force you away from your device so you can join your family for Christmas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With less time looking at your phone and waiting for notifications, you\u2019ll be <strong>less stressed<\/strong>. It will help you reconnect with nature and family while forgetting that your device exists. The best method is to study the reports the app provides to see where you can improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"230\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-7.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" class=\"wp-image-208113\" title=\"unplug over Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-7.jpg 230w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-7-139x300.jpg 139w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-7-6x12.jpg 6w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-7-150x325.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forest-stay-focused.en.softonic.com\/android\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest: Focus for Productivity<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an app for disconnecting from the internet and social media that I personally like. Forest: Focus for Productivity has adorable visuals that will motivate you to stay away from your phone. There are lush trees and plants that will <strong>grow in your virtual forest <\/strong>the more you block apps and notifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more you improve your habit with Forest, the more real trees are planted in real life. The app has partners that will make sure nature grows the more you improve your life at home. It\u2019s a Christmas present to yourself and the Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-8.jpg\" alt=\"Disconnect during Christmas\" class=\"wp-image-208114\" width=\"280\" height=\"497\" title=\"unplug over Christmas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-8.jpg 450w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-8-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-8-7x12.jpg 7w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Disconnect-during-Christmas-1-8-150x267.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It\u2019s time to reconnect with your family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you have no excuse not to spend time with your friends and family over Christmas. You can disconnect from work and distractions while focusing on those around you. If you\u2019re still struggling, ask someone to smack your phone out your hand when you\u2019re being anti-social.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Christmas and the holidays should be about spending time with your loved ones and friends. It\u2019s hard to do that when you\u2019re constantly connected to the internet, scrolling social media or reading emails. You need to learn to focus on what\u2019s important around you so you don\u2019t miss out on life. To that end, I\u2019ve &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/disconnect-during-christmas-with-apps\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Disconnect during Christmas and have time for you and your loved ones&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9205,"featured_media":208115,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":0},"categories":[2518],"tags":[1549],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-208103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-christmas"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9205"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208103"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":322729,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208103\/revisions\/322729"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208103"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=208103"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=208103"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=208103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}