Many people open Mac to work on a task but navigate to social sites, clicking through notifications, playing games and exhausted without finishing or not even starting the intended task. If this is familiar scenario for you, then it’s time to use your Mac without distractions. Fortunately, there are lot of in-built options in Mac to work distractions free and you can also go for third-party apps if needed.
Distractions Free Working in Mac
Before you start adjusting the Mac’s settings, make sure the environment is good enough for you to focus on the task. For example, set a clear deadline to finish your tasks and remember to take short breaks to give rest to your mind and prevent burnout. Though focusing is needed to work on a single app, sometimes you may also want to focus on multiple apps. Depending upon the situation, you can opt for one or multiple suggestions mentioned below.
1. Turn off Notifications
Unexpected notifications from apps are the first culprit for work distractions. You can disable notifications from apps or websites that may distract you while working.
- For apps – go to “Apple menu > System Settings… > Notifications” section and disable specific apps from sending notifications.
- For websites in Safari – go to “Safari > Settings… > Websites” menu, select “Notifications” option from sidebar and remove the websites for which you have provided permission to send push notifications.
2. Use Focus Mode
You can use the “Focus” mode feature in Mac to work distractions free while allowing to receive notifications from only specific apps or contacts (and block all others). Go to “Apple menu > System Settings… > Focus” settings section. Select one of the available modes like “Do Not Disturb”, “Personal” or “Sleep”. Select the people and apps to allow notifications and schedule your setup.
3. Create a Virtual Workspace (Desktop)
This is the best option when you need to work with multiple apps or on a project. Simple press F3 key to open Mission Control and then click on the + icon showing on the top right corner to create an additional desktop. The app windows are specific to a desktop allowing to have a clutter free new environment. In this way you can work distractions free and focus better on your tasks.
4. Use Full Screen or Split Screen Mode
This is a simple option when you want to work on a specific app. Click the green color icon showing on top left corner of the app window to use it in a full screen mode.
If you want to work on two apps, then hover on the green icon and select “Tile Window to Left / Right of Screen” option. This will show all other open windows and select the app to show in another left / right section of the monitor.
5. Use Siri to Stop Distractions
Many Mac users do not use a powerful app called Shortcuts which comes in-built with macOS. The latest Shortcuts app comes with many predefined shortcuts including a one called “Stop Distractions”.
- Open Shortcuts app, search and open “Stop Distractions” item (generally showing under “Gallery” section).
- Click “Add Shortcuts…” button to add it to your app.
- After setting up the shortcut, you can simply say “Siri, “Stop Distractions” and trigger the shortcut.
This shortcut will close all open apps except the chosen ones and automatically turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
6. Using Third-Party Apps
Frankly, you do not need any third-party apps for working distraction free on your Mac. However, there are specific apps like “Focus – Productivity Timer” which combines multiple options. With this app, you can create a to-do list, breakdown your tasks, work in a focused session, set a timer to track progress and the app also reminds you to take a break in regular interval to keep up your energy.
Final Words
As you can see, there are multiple options available on Mac to work distractions free. Turning off notifications will help in most cases though you can also go for Focus or virtual workspace. In addition to these options, you do have Screen Time settings to block apps and monitor screen usage. If these things are not helping to focus on your work, then probably you should take a long break or vacation to change your mindset and energize yourself.
