What is ‘monk mode’, and how can you find it?

Contrary to a digital detox, people are now using technology to cut out distractions and help them stay on track with their tasks (Picture: Unsplash)

While digital detoxes have been around for a while now, ‘monk mode’ is the latest buzzword that’s gaining traction among the digitally overwhelmed.

Monk mode is a productivity hack popular among CEOs and entrepreneurs that involves focusing on one task and avoiding distractions.

With more than 78 million views on TikTok, the hashtag #Monkmode has gained popularity as an effective productivity hack.

And unlike a digital detox, in which people shin tech entirely, people are now using it to cut out distractions and help them stay on track with their tasks.

Here are some apps that can help you get into ‘monk mode’.

1. One Sec

It’s available to download for free for both Android and Apple users.

2. Headspace

Arguably, one of the most popular mindfulness apps, Headspace was actually created by a monk so it had to be on the list.

Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, co-founded Headspace – a guided meditation app that boasts 3.3 million paid subscribers around the world as of last year.

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The app has been downloaded over 70 million times since 2016 so it’s a good bet to start your journey to monk mode.

Alongside meditations, mindfulness practice and help sleeping, Headspace offers articles on how best to reduce your social media use and deal with any negative feelings it causes.

Most recently, Headspace has even ventured into the metaverse by launching mindfulness experiences that help you transition out of Virtual Reality (VR) and back to the real world.

A monthly subscription will cost you £9.99 a month or £49.99 for a year with a free trial option. It also offers a family plan with six accounts for £74.99 a year, and a student plan for £7.99 a year.

3. Freedom

Freedom app — The app uses a timer to record sessions which you can either set up on the fly or schedule for it to be activated automatically (Picture: Freedom)

This app blocks distracting apps across devices on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, or Chrome.

The app uses a timer to record sessions which you can either set up on the fly or schedule for it to be activated automatically.

So if you find yourself checking your social media on your browser even if you’ve put your phone away, this app might be for you.

4. Cold Turkey

Cold Turkey app — Once you set the timer, you have no choice but to get on with your work (Picture: Cold Turkey)

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You can either pay the one-time fee of £29 to gain full access to all the features, or use the free version that gives you the basic timed website blocking functions.