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A wandering mind -

Part of being human is having a wandering mind. Sometimes, our daily interactions and habits can take us deep into mental detours we didn't anticipate.

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A wandering mind -

With so many demands on our time and attention and more ways than ever to be reachable to others, struggling with distraction is something we feel acutely in the modern day.

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Pursuing personal growth -

But there's a big downside to this mental state. We can easily become overwhelmed and find it difficult to pursue things we'd like to work on for our personal growth. 

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Monks experienced the monkey mind too -

Regardless of the era, people have always had distractions fighting for their attention. While they might not have had phones, medieval monks still had their own thoughts to contend with.

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Monks experienced the monkey mind too -

In order to get into a deep work state, they had to find ways to minimize the distractions. Monks learned how to focus despite the obstacle of a wandering mind.

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Being alone -

The word monk is derived from the Latin monachus which means 'to be alone.' By isolating and embracing solitude, a monk practiced self-discipline and abstinence. 

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Self-discipline -

The self-discipline required for monk mode gives followers a sense of focus and calm, enabling them to get into a deep work state.

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Self-discipline -

By removing the notifications of your cell phone, social media apps, and emails, you put your attention in one place at a time and get off the conveyor belt of being pulled between different demands and tasks.

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Focus -

If focus feels like an ever-elusive goal, perhaps you should try monk mode. By committing yourself to completing a task with no distractions, you regain control over your emotional state and choose growth. 

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Benefits of monk mode -

The benefits of monk mode center on achieving goals you set out to complete in a way that fosters self-improvement, self-discipline, and a sense of self-control.

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Helps to prevent burnout -

Monk mode can help improve overall work-life balance, as it means blocking out time for deep concentration and taking regular breaks.

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Reduces stress levels -

If you have a goal you'd like to achieve, and can use monk mode to get yourself into the groove where you can complete it, it can help you to reduce your stress levels.

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Greater self-awareness -

Monk mode requires long periods of stillness, spent in self-reflection. By getting clear on what you want, your strengths, weaknesses, and how to get there, you develop your understanding of (and presence with) yourself.

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Enhanced creativity -

By relaxing the mind and focusing on a task, creativity is enhanced. It gives the mental space to consider alternative perspectives, to deliver something fresh.

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Learning and growth -

Our brains love to learn new things, creating new neural pathways as new connections are formed. Learning and exercise can even mean the formation of new neurons in the brain.

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How to get into monk mode: 1. Set a list of priorities -

Before you can reap the benefits of Monk Mode, you need to set your priorities in order of importance. Work in order of most to least important, systematically checking tasks off your list.

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2. Create a lockdown state -

Block out time for complete isolation. There is no other way to get into deep work without any distractions. Booking a time slot with yourself keeps you accountable for completing the tasks you've identified as a priority to complete.

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3. Pomodoro Technique -

The Pomodoro Technique is a popular way to help boost productivity by working in short, manageable chunks followed by a short break. Focus for 25 minutes, followed by a pause for 15 minutes, to avoid getting overwhelmed and maintain focus.

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Challenges of monk mode -

Monk mode comes with its own set of challenges. Isolating yourself isn't easy, as humans are wired for connection. Reducing social interactions can cause feelings of loneliness.

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Motivation -

All work and no play is a difficult way to live! It's hard to maintain motivation levels at a peak for a sustained period of time. It involves adhering to a strict lifestyle that might not suit everyone.

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Switching modes is difficult -

It can be difficult to switch between modes of intense, deep work and relaxation, as well as between work and personal obligations. Monk mode isn't a foolproof way to 'hack' your life.

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Dopamine -

Another reason why even entering monk mode is difficult in the first place is because of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Short bursts of it provide us with a pleasurable experience, signaling to our brain that something important is happening.

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Dopamine -

Checking our phones gives us this short-term hit of dopamine that's quickly habit-forming. However, it also makes it difficult to concentrate on a task as it makes us distracted. 

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How to get into monk mode: start slow -

Building a new habit takes time as our brain builds those new neural pathways. In the beginning, it will take more time and energy to get into monk mode. The key at the start is to go slowly.

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Meditate -

Build a meditation practice, which will help you train your brain to be in a focused, present state each day. Accessing awareness through meditation was used by monks to reduce distractibility. 

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Set clear goals -

Having clear goals and a defined timeline to achieve them will help to keep you on track with the time that has to be blocked out to get them done.

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Block out time -

Plan your month or quarter in advance, blocking out days and times to practice monk mode according to the priority tasks you'd like to complete.

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Set up a workstation -

Having a dedicated workstation that's located far from distractions will help you to stay focused so you can access your deepest, focused work state.

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Try it for yourself -

Monk mode can give you the space and time to uncover solutions to problems and access creativity. Taking a break from consuming media and being reachable to the world might have a positive effect on your well-being and ability to reach personal goals, so try it for yourself and find out how to make monk mode work for you.
Sources: (Emeritus) (Simply Scheduled Appointments) (Freedom) (TopResume)
See also: Boosting productivity: Try energy auditing

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