Opal: Your Gateway to Digital Freedom and Focus

Ella Cockman
2 min readFeb 7, 2024

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As the New Year approached, one of my resolutions was to be more present.

Reflecting on how I spend my time, I realised that my phone often becomes a huge distraction from living in the moment. While Apple’s introduction of the Screen Time tracker has made us somewhat aware of our excessive screen usage, I’ve come to realise that app blockers, like Opal, shouldn’t be limited to exam periods or revision sessions.

Perhaps, app blockers like Opal should be integrated into our everyday self-care routines, serving as a valuable tool in regulating our relationship with technology. Prioritising control over attention and mindfulness should be as important as our pursuit of productivity.

Reclaiming control over attention and mindfulness should be prioritised as much as productivity is. Smartphone addiction is rarely discussed in open forums, but its impact on mental health and general well-being really must be scrutinised. Common digital distractions include social media like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix.

As I commute regularly for studying and work, I am far too aware of how easy it is to relax while being on my phone and time seems to vanish into thin air as I arrive at my next destination. However, I have been surprised at how effective Opal has been in helping me regulate my screen time and even reduce it by 23% in two weeks.

Opal is an app designed to empower users to break free from the grip of smartphone addiction and regain focus on what truly matters. By restricting access to distracting apps during designated windows of time, Opal transforms the way we interact with technology, fostering mindfulness and intentionality in our digital lives.

In a world where digital distractions are abundant, Opal stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge from the incessant pull of smartphone addiction. By empowering users to take control of their digital habits and prioritise focus, Opal paves the way for a more mindful and intentional approach to technology usage.

Opal also offers 50% off for students and academics, which I encourage any to get, as this has already helped me with my productivity and concentration.

As we embrace the transformative power of Opal, let us reclaim our attention, reclaim our time, and reclaim our lives in pursuit of a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

(Opal, Bing, 2024)

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Ella Cockman
Ella Cockman

Written by Ella Cockman

Welcome to my corner of Medium! I'm a second-year university student at LIS, balancing academic adventures with a passion for creative expression.

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