Constant notifications: 3 tricks to avoid distractions and improve focus 🔕💡

Notifications have drastically changed our daily lives, often creating unnecessary distractions at work, while driving, or even when we're out with friends. But I don't want to miss important notifications, so I've found a balance through Do Not Disturb mode. 📵✨

Constant notifications: an unnecessary distraction

How many times have you stopped in the middle of a conversation, thinking you'd received an important notification, only to realize it was Spotify reminding you of a promotional offer? Or maybe that friend who logs on once a week and bombards you with messages one after another, then disappears. 😅

Regardless of the scenario, the constant sounds quickly become annoying, making it difficult to stay focused while performing tasks. And even though I know it's probably not important, I still feel that OCD-like compulsion to check the notification immediately. 🔔

So, I had to find a way to regain control without turning off notifications entirely. I still want to see what I missed when I have time to use my phone, but I don't want to be tempted by the notification itself. 📱💬

That's where Do Not Disturb mode comes in. This feature lets you limit interruptions from calls, notifications, and even alarms. I primarily use it to manage common notifications. Plus, the mode is highly customizable; I'll share my settings later. 🔧

This mode is the perfect balance between receiving no notifications and receiving all notifications. Combined with the per-app notification settings, you can adjust how many notifications you want to receive and from which apps. ⚖️

My always-on display and smartwatch are the replacement

Even though my phone is always in Do Not Disturb Mode, I still have close control over every notification thanks to my smartwatch and the always-on display. My smartwatch vibrates gently and turns on the screen to display the notification content. ⌚💡

Even though I don't wear my smartwatch at home, I keep it on my desk so I can check notifications at a glance without losing focus. Similarly, my smartphone's always-on display shows an icon for the app associated with the notification. The edge of the screen also lights up, adding another visual cue. 💡📲

The only time I turn off Do Not Disturb mode is when I'm making plans while on the go and need to be sure I don't miss any notifications. I started doing this after missing several messages from my friends while washing my car, with my phone in my pocket and my smartwatch inside. 🚗💦

Alarms and phone calls still have full privilege

The default Do Not Disturb mode setting on most Android phones is too aggressive. It silences most sounds, notifications, and vibrations, making it easy to miss an important call or critical notification. Because of this, I allow all alarms and phone calls to override Do Not Disturb mode. I typically only receive calls when something important is happening, so I don't want to miss any under any circumstances. I just want to eliminate the endless pings from messaging apps. 📞🚫

Additionally, I've manually enabled notifications when Do Not Disturb mode is on for certain apps, such as Gmail, Keep, and LinkedIn. While most of the emails in my inbox are random spam, I occasionally receive important emails that require immediate attention. This list of apps also includes Slack and Asana, but for these, I pause notifications at a specific time. With this setting, I can quickly distinguish between urgent and non-urgent notifications. 📧🔔

If you're always chatting with friends and family like me, you probably don't need an audible reminder for every notification you receive. However, you don't have to keep your phone in Do Not Disturb mode permanently to reap the benefits. 🙌

Set a schedule that works for you. For example, Do Not Disturb mode could be enabled only during work, the gym, or while you sleep. If you've been ignoring this feature, consider this your cue to try it out! ⏰👍