Hale Hearth
Productivity · Refrain

Start with intent. End honestly.

Refrain is a private focus timer — set an intent before each session, run the timer, then rate and note it. It builds a quiet history of rescued time, recent intents and weekly progress, with local rules for the distractions you choose.

iPhoneProductivityOn-deviceFree to download
Session — reflected
on-device
50min · rescued
“Draft memo”
Intent
4 / 5
Rating
3h 20m
This week
Your own rating and note — Refrain records focus, it doesn’t police your phone.
The honest limits

What it does, and what it doesn’t

a timer with intent · not an app blocker

What it does

  • Prompts an intent before every focus session
  • Runs flexible durations from quick resets to deep-work blocks
  • Ends with a reflection: a rating and an optional note
  • Builds a quiet history of rescued time and weekly progress

What it doesn’t

  • Uses no system-level app blocking or ScreenTime permissions
  • Uses no HealthKit or location tracking
  • Keeps your data on device — no account, no analytics
Not medical advice. Talk to your clinician.
How it works

Four things, done properly

Intent before the timer

Write what you’re choosing to focus on before each session, so a block starts with a decision, not a default.

Reflection after

When the timer ends, rate the session and add a short note — an honest record beats an inflated streak.

Rescued time, counted

History and stats review rescued time, sessions and trends across the week, quietly.

Rules you choose

Set local focus rules for the distractions you want to avoid — no system-level blocking, no permissions grab.

What it keeps

Your records, and where they live

RecordWhat it isWhere
IntentWhat you chose to focus onOn device
SessionDuration + your rating & noteOn your iPhone
ProgressRescued time, sessions, trendsFrom your history
Kept privately

Kept privately, on your iPhone

Pricing

Free to start, honest about Pro

Free version
Free to download
  • Core timer & intent journal
  • Daily focus cap
  • Starter history
Refrain Pro
Monthly or yearly
  • Unlimited focus time
  • More focus rules
  • Full history
  • Richer reports
Auto-renewable; billed by Apple; cancel anytime.
Questions

Straight answers

Does Refrain block my apps?

No. Refrain uses no system-level app blocking, ScreenTime permissions, HealthKit or location tracking. It’s a private timer with intent and reflection.

What’s the intent prompt?

Before each session you write what you’re choosing to focus on; at the end you rate it and add a note.

Is my data private?

Yes — no account, no ads, no analytics, and your data stays on device.

Refrain is on the App Store.

Download on the App Store All Hale Hearth apps

Refrain is a private focus timer and productivity tool, not a medical device or a substitute for professional advice.