Serene is a productivity-focused macOS app designed to enhance user focus and efficiency by integrating three proven techniques: distraction blocking, focus tools, and planning tools.
What Serene Does
Serene is tailored to help users achieve undisturbed deep work and prioritize their most important goals. It is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with distractions, whether they are remote workers, entrepreneurs, marketers, developers, freelancers, or product designers.
Key Features
Day Planning
At the start of each day, Serene prompts users to define a single, clear goal and break it down into well-defined intervals of focused work and regular breaks. This planning tool helps users stay on track and ensure they are working on what matters most.
Distraction Blocking
Serene blocks distracting apps and websites during focus sessions, creating an optimal environment for deep work. It also silences notifications from desktop apps and can put the user’s phone on Do Not Disturb mode to minimize interruptions. Users can specify which apps and websites they find distracting, and Serene will automatically block them during focus sessions.
Focus Tools
The app includes several focus-enhancing features such as focus music, countdown timers, and regular breaks. These tools are scientifically proven to help users stay focused and maintain productivity. For example, Serene can replace digital noise with music designed to improve concentration.
Session Planner
Serene’s session planner acts similarly to the Pomodoro technique, where work is divided into focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This planner ensures users work in well-defined intervals, helping them stay on task and avoid burnout.
Additional Integrations
The app can also integrate with other tools to enhance the focus environment. For instance, it can control Internet-connected lights and update the user’s Slack status to indicate they are in a focus session.
Trial and Accessibility
Users can try Serene for free with 10 free hours of focus sessions (600 minutes). Currently, the app is available only for macOS users, but a Windows version is planned for release in the future.
In summary, Serene is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to boost their productivity by minimizing distractions, planning their day effectively, and utilizing proven focus-enhancing techniques.
