Several free apps combine task management with the fun of growing virtual plants or other objects to motivate productivity. Here are a few you might find useful:
1. Forest
• Description: You plant a virtual tree that grows as you focus on tasks. Leaving the app or getting distracted stops the tree’s growth. Over time, you can grow an entire forest.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web Extension.
• Free Version Features: Includes basic functionality and limited tree types.
• Paid Add-ons: Unlocks additional tree types and the ability to plant real trees through their partnership program.
2. Focus Plant
• Description: A gamified pomodoro timer that lets you collect water drops for focusing, which you can use to grow plants and restore an in-game world.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Core gameplay is free; ads give extra rewards.
• Paid Add-ons: Optional in-app purchases for faster progress.
3. Plantie
• Description: A minimalist focus timer where you grow fruits or plants by staying focused. Simple and visually appealing.
• Platforms: iOS.
• Free Version Features: Full access to the basic planting and timer features.
4. Habitica
• Description: A task manager that gamifies your life. Completing tasks earns points to level up, buy gear, or hatch and grow pets (including plants).
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.
• Free Version Features: Most features are free, including growing pets and plants.
• Paid Add-ons: Cosmetic items and optional subscriptions.
5. Flora
• Description: Similar to Forest, it focuses on growing virtual plants as you complete tasks. It also allows group focus sessions with friends.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Free with basic planting features.
• Paid Add-ons: Optional premium features like more plant types.
6. Study Bunny
• Description: A study timer where you earn coins for focusing, which can be used to buy items for a virtual pet bunny, including plants for their environment.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Basic focus timer and rewards.
• Paid Add-ons: Extra customization options.
These apps are great for combining productivity with a sense of achievement through nurturing growth. Let me know if you’d like help selecting one!
You’re absolutely right about Finch, and there are other similar apps as well. Here’s an extended list of free anti-procrastination and motivation apps with a “growing” or nurturing theme:
1. Finch: Self Care Pet
• Description: You take care of a cute bird (your “Finch”) by completing tasks and self-care activities. The Finch grows and explores based on your progress.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Fully functional with daily care and task tracking for your Finch.
• Paid Add-ons: Additional customization for your Finch and extra features.
2. Grow
• Description: A to-do list app that lets you grow a small, cute garden. Completing tasks adds plants to your garden.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Basic task tracking and garden growth.
• Paid Add-ons: Enhanced garden options and premium features.
3. Tide
• Description: Combines focus, meditation, and white noise with a minimalist interface. While it doesn’t involve literal plants, the calming visuals mimic natural growth and landscapes.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Includes focus timer and basic soundscapes.
• Paid Add-ons: Premium soundscapes and customizations.
4. Forest Island
• Description: A meditative game-like app where you focus on tasks to build a virtual island with plants, animals, and natural landscapes.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Core gameplay is free.
• Paid Add-ons: Optional purchases for more progress and customizations.
5. Plantie (Alternate Mention)
• Description: Grow virtual fruits by focusing. It’s like Forest but simpler and free.
6. Mood Pixel
• Description: A mood and task tracker where you grow pixels into patterns over time based on task completions and reflections.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Core tracking functionality.
• Paid Add-ons: Expanded patterns and premium customization.
7. Pokémon Sleep
• Description: Encourages better sleep habits by tracking your sleep and growing Pokémon based on your patterns. Completing tasks outside sleep boosts your progress.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Basic tracking and rewards.
• Paid Add-ons: Optional premium passes for additional features.
8. My Oasis
• Description: A relaxing app where completing self-care tasks grows a virtual oasis filled with plants and animals.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Basic oasis growth and management.
• Paid Add-ons: Optional extras for faster progression.
9. Bloom
• Description: Combines mental health exercises with gamified growth, letting you grow a garden of plants and flowers through mindfulness tasks.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Basic exercises and plant growth.
• Paid Add-ons: Premium exercises and garden features.
10. Neko Atsume
• Description: While primarily a cat-collecting game, you earn decorations, plants, and garden upgrades by staying consistent with tasks and checking in regularly.
• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Free Version Features: Core gameplay for free.
11. Motivation RPG Apps (like Questland)
• Description: Apps like Questland turn task management into an RPG game where completing tasks grows your character, their abilities, and their world.
12. Inner Garden
• Description: This app isn’t a task manager but can complement your workflow as a meditative experience where you build and grow a peaceful virtual garden.
• Platforms: Android.
• Free Version Features: Base garden tools and plants.
If Finch caught your attention, it’s a great starting point for combining task management, self-care, and gamified growth. Would you like to dive deeper into one of these?