Monk Mode and concentration

Today, in a world saturated with digital distractions, focusing completely on one activity can be a challenge. Reading, writing or remote work, any activity we do is often interrupted by a notification, a stimulus or a call. The so-called monk mode was born as an effective solution to combat technological interruptions and improve concentration in our daily lives.

The monk mode concept

Monk mode is a concept that could be translated as completing an objective without any distractions. It requires dedicating oneself completely to a task without allowing any type of external distraction for a certain period of time. Inspired by the discipline of monks, it seeks to replicate the total concentration and absence of distractions so characteristic of monastic life.

To start applying it, is very important to begin with short periods of concentration and gradually increase their duration. Another key point is to identify possible distractions and remove them. Disable notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your laptop, etc. Having a quiet space without too many stimulations will also help us to be more concentrated in the activity we want to do.

Steps to follow

Monk mode can be divided into four main steps:

1. Define a goal with a start and end date. Define a specific schedule and avoid multitasking during that period.

2. Change habits. Remove bad habits from your life. Obviously it is not necessary to eradicate them automatically and totally, but to increase healthy routines such as sports, a balanced diet or meditation and to gradually give up alcohol, tobacco or ultra-processed foods. These actions will help to be physically and mentally healthy and ease concentration. Also, it is important to avoid screens at least two hours before going to sleep. According to Dr. Diego Golombek, nowadays society sleeps increasingly accompanied by screens, whether tablets, cell phones or televisions. The blue LED light from screens stimulates our brain by transmitting false signals, disturbing our rest and concentration.

3. Goodbye distractions. We need to completely avoid distractions, including phones, games, calls or notifications.

4. Isolation. This step is perhaps the one that requires the most discipline of all. Is necessary to isolate oneself and focus on the objective, whether it is a report, reading a book or teleworking, and avoid any external interaction.

Conclusion

Monk mode may not be as effective for some tasks as for others. It is a really efficient method for data analysis, creative solutions or strategy development that requires a high level of concentration. If you need extra help to get started, you can find helpful applications such as Freedom or Forest.

The most difficult part of getting started in monk mode is without a doubt not to be distracted by stimulations or by our own thoughts. This requires practice and discipline, but little by little it will allow us to do our work in less time.