# Three for Great Focus

> Three small utilities that help you focus on what matters.

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Content type: The Shortlist three for…
Published: 2026-08-22
Author: [Philip Langenbrink](https://nested.blog/authors/philip)
Section: The Shortlist
Tags: utilities, macos

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## Editorial notes
- This guide evaluates 3 applications: LookAway, Monocle, Onigiri.

## Content

The most useful software is not always the most ambitious. Sometimes it is a tiny intervention that prevents a temporary thought, calculation, or timer from becoming another open tab.
This collection of three small utilities is aimed at helping you focus on what matters and improve not just your productivity but also your relationship with focus.

### 01 — LookAway

**App:** [LookAway](https://nested.blog/awesome/apps/lookaway) — A beautifully designed break reminder for macOS and iOS. LookAway helps you take regular breaks to rest your eyes and stay productive.

**Editorial note:** For keeping a healthy posture while working and to help you avoid eye strain.

- **Creator:** Mystical Bits, LLC.
- **Category:** Lifestyle
- **Platforms:** macOS
- **Pricing:** one\_time
- **Editorial grade:** Great (80/100)

[Visit LookAway's website](https://lookaway.com/)

### 02 — Monocle

**App:** [Monocle](https://nested.blog/awesome/apps/monocle) — A minimalist, elegant app that keeps your focus by subtly blurring all inactive windows. Monocle gives you many customisation options, and allows you to enable or disable the blur for specific apps. The simplicity and the effect of it make it a stunning utility.

**Editorial note:** A small utility app with a beautiful design that not only makes your mac look nicer but lets you focus on the windows that matter.

- **Creator:** Dominik Kandravy
- **Category:** Lifestyle
- **Platforms:** macOS
- **Pricing:** one\_time
- **Editorial grade:** Outstanding (92/100)

#### Why nested.blog recommends Monocle

- Customisation options
- Settings design
- Gradient blur with grain
- App specific setup

[Visit Monocle's website](https://www.heyiam.dk/monocle)

### 03 — Onigiri

**App:** [Onigiri](https://nested.blog/awesome/apps/onigiri) — Ultra-minimalistic Pomodoro timer for macOS, designed to help you stay focused and productive with simple, distraction-free time management.

**Editorial note:** A timer whose clarity makes it feel more like an object than a productivity system.

- **Creator:** Studio 1J
- **Category:** Productivity
- **Platforms:** macOS
- **Pricing:** one\_time
- **Editorial grade:** Great (80/100)

[Visit Onigiri's website](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onigiri-pomodoro-timer/id1639917298?mt=12)

> **Takeaway**
>
> Of course, these are just three small utilities, not life-changing tools. But they can help you focus on what matters, improve your digital health, and maybe make a tiny dent in your life.