We all know the importance of a healthy work-life balance and also the fact that it is not so easy to achieve. Despite knowing the rules, enforcing them in our routines it really tough. And amidst all the crazy scheduling the only device that stays with you at most times is your smartphone. What if this smartphone could become your personal assistant that notifies about upcoming events and pending activities while allowing you to execute them on the go? App stores are filled with apps to make life easier.  Here is my pick of 7 essential apps that will help streamline your daily work.

1. Rescue Time: Productivity Monitor

This app provides a reality check of your time management. A client installed on your machine monitors all your surfing activities and app usage on the device. And to evaluate the time not spent on your device, it pops up a feedback window and saves your input. You can customize categories for activities you perform in a day. For instance, a social media marketer may require logging into Facebook 15 times a day as a part of his work assignment, whereas for a stock broker logging into Facebook twice a day is an absolute distraction. Furthermore this app also allows you to block websites for a particular period.

2. LogMeIn: Single Sign-On

This app provides easy remote access to multiple devices. The app works on anything from a Mac to an iPhone. The interface allows viewing and manages different systems from your screen. You can access your office system at home or vice-versa by logging into this app.

It is suited for people who travel often and have data scattered into different devices. This app is available for both iOS and Android operating systems.

3. JotNot Scanner+:

This is a document scanning app that captures and scans documents in ePDF format. Its image processing feature automatically detects the edges in a document and corrects them – like white space rectification, shadow correction, etc. for a better readability.

It’s a portable replacement of the bulky fax machine. This app also integrates with Evernote, iCloud, Google Docs, OneNote, etc. for storing and sharing documents.

4. Dragon Dictation: Voice Support

This is a free-to-use application that composes text messages based on voice input. It makes typing messages, emails, and to-do lists easier without having to touch the mobile screen. So now you can compose work mails, event lists, grocery lists, etc. while working, driving, in between your favorite sport or even during working in kitchen.

How the application works: The application composes text based on your dictation. The application also supports turning text to speech by reading your text messages.

5. Evernote: Task Manager

This is a multi-purpose note-taking tool. It creates a digital workspace to store files, web links, images, audio recordings, notes, etc. You can organize your work with additional features like notebooks and tags. You can even search a text string in notes and photos. Most apps out there provide an integration support with Evernote for its syncing and storing abilities.

Moreover teams can also collaborate over work, sharing projects and discussing. This is particularly helpful while travelling for organizing business cards, reservations, bill receipts and invoices.

This app is compatible with Android, Blackberry and iOS.

6. Tesco Groceries: Weekly Food Shopping through Your Phone

Regardless of our interests, grocery shopping is one of those tedious jobs we can’t escape from. Understanding the busy schedules of working professionals, Tesco stores have launched their grocery shopping app that helps you shop for groceries from anywhere using your smartphone. You can also use this app to know where nearest Tesco store is, as well as their opening and closing times.

You can create a list of regularly consumable items for quick purchase and append items to it too. You can also use discounts and through Clubcard e-coupons and vouchers. A newly added feature allows customers to scan barcodes through your iPhone camera and add to the shopping cart.

And what more can one ask the app also shares recipes of different cuisines.

There are many such apps like Sainsbury’s, Fooducate, Anylist, Waitrose, etc. Just look out for your nearest grocery store and see if it has launched a mobile app for your convenience.

7. Cozi Family Organizer: Event Management

If your family misses on important events owing to busy schedules then this app probably might resolve the pain. Add events and appointments in your to-do list and upload for everyone to view. You can also upload photos to serve as a reminder for events in the calendar section. There is a family message board to communicate things at go.

For most frequently used sections you can create and save their widget on the home screen. This app can be installed by all the family members to stay collectively organized through one account.

Mobile apps help save time both at work and at home by organizing tasks that you are otherwise unable to manage manually. I have mentioned only one app for a purpose, but there are multiple options in the app store that serve the same purpose, you can map their features with your requirements before installing them.

Sapna Joshi is a creative content writer at MoveoApps, an mCommerce App Development Company. She is a software engineer with a love for writing. When she’s not writing she is probably reading something. You can follow her on Twitter @MailSapnaa.