Monk Mode is a productivity and well-being ‘hack’ that is popular amongst entrepreneurs and creatives. So what is it? And how can we integrate it into our bustling, modern lives?
What is ‘Monk Mode’?
At its core, ‘Monk Mode’ is about deep focus and minimal distraction that centres around dedicating yourself to a single task or goal with no tech or other distractions.
Inspired by the lifestyle of Buddhist monks who live lives of simplicity, reflection, and deep focus, ‘Monk Mode’ encourages people to disconnect from external distractions, particularly digital ones, and turn inwards through meditation and deep focus. The practice aims to improve the clarity of thought, enhance productivity by limiting multi-tasking and distraction, and find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment by practising meditation.
Some people (especially entrepreneurs and self employed) practice more intense ‘Monk Mode’, by entering an extended period of time to work towards a goal. In working towards that, they eliminate distracting practices like social media and drinking alcohol and replace them with meditation, physical exercise and deep work to help them achieve their goals.
READ MORE: Steps to become productive
What are the benefits of ‘Monk Mode’?
Embracing ‘Monk Mode’ means simplifying your life and daily routine, eliminating distractions, and focusing deeply on tasks and self-improvement. There are lots of potential benefits, including:
- Enhanced focus: By reducing distractions, especially digital ones, you can concentrate better and achieve deeper levels of focus. This is crucial for tasks that require intensive thought or creativity.
- Improved productivity: With increased focus comes better productivity. When you’re not constantly shifting your attention or multitasking, you can get more done in less time.
- Better mental clarity: Taking a break from the constant influx of information, especially from social media and news sources, can lead to clearer thoughts and better decision-making. READ MORE: The importance of taking a Healthy Break & Take a break from what you are doing
- Reduced stress: The constant barrage of notifications, emails, and messages can be overwhelming. Stepping back from this and introducing meditation can calm your mind and reduce stress levels. READ MORE: Stress in the Modern World: Why It’s on the Rise and How to Cope
- Greater self-awareness: “Monk Mode” often involves practices like meditation and reflection. These can lead to increased self-awareness and a better understanding of goals, desires, and emotions. READ MORE: Interview with Will Williams – Vedic Meditation Practitioner
- Simpler living: Adopting a more minimalist approach to life, both digitally and physically, can lead to less clutter and a more streamlined existence. READ MORE: How I radically simplified my life in the last 18 months
- Increased creativity: When your mind isn’t constantly occupied with incoming information, it has more space to wander and be creative. READ MORE: Let’s Get Creative!
How can you find ‘Monk Mode’?
The basic principle of ‘Monk Mode’ is to live simply and focus on one thing at a time. You can implement small spells of ‘Monk Mode’ to increase your productivity and focus.
- Setting boundaries or ‘non-negotiables’: Choose specific times in the day when you’ll be offline. Inform friends, family, and coworkers about these ‘sacred hours’ and stick to them. Also set small goals to stick to throughout the week, whether it’s waking up at a certain time or limiting caffeine – and hold yourself accountable.
- Set clear goals: It’s important to know what you want to achieve during ‘mode mode’. Write down a clear goal of what you want to achieve during that time.
- Go ‘offline’ and remove distractions: Block social media or go into DND mode. Use apps such as Freedom or Opal to block distracting apps on your devices, or remove them from your space entirely.
- Deep work or focus: Schedule blocks of time for deep, focused work. Instead of multitasking, concentrate on one task at a time, ensuring it gets your full, undivided attention.
- Engaging in regular mindfulness practices: Start with just 5 minutes of meditation daily and gradually increase – you might not feel the impact in the first week or so, but stick with it – you’ll be much more present and aware the more you practice.
READ MORE: 5 things to do in the morning to have a productive day
‘Monk Mode’ is a practice that we’re all aware of. It encompasses many principles we all know help our well-being: less social media, more mediation and simpler living. It’s a method to help people move towards deeper fulfilment and clarity in this digital age. As always, it’s not about being perfect but about making small, consistent changes that bring about big results.
READ MORE: Getting into a productive & sustainable work routine
Remember to tailor the principles to your own needs and routine. Some may find value in short periods of this focused mode, while others might adopt certain principles into their daily lives for the long term. It’s about finding the balance that works for you and reaping the benefits that align with your personal and professional goals.
10 Ways to Simplify Your Day
- Make a to-do list: Start your day by making a to-do list that outlines the tasks you need to complete. This will help you prioritise your tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed. CHECK OUT: How to Write a Better To-Do List
- Delegate tasks: If you have colleagues or family members who can help you with certain tasks, delegate them. This will free up your time and energy for other important things.
- Avoid multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Multitasking can lead to mistakes and a feeling of being scattered. CHECK OUT: Does multi-tasking work?
- Minimise distractions: Identify your biggest distractions and find ways to minimise them. This could mean turning off your phone notifications, closing your email, or finding a quiet space to work. CHECK OUT: My top time-management tips
- Simplify your wardrobe: Simplify your wardrobe by decluttering and creating a capsule wardrobe. This will save you time getting ready in the morning and make getting dressed a breeze. CHECK OUT: Cultivating a Capsule Wardrobe
- Cook simple meals: Stick to simple meals that are easy to prepare and don’t require a lot of ingredients. This will save you time and energy in the kitchen. CHECK OUT: Soulfully Nourished: Healthy Cooking & Eating Made Easy
- Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation or simply taking a walk outside. This will help you feel more calm and centred. CHECK OUT: Daily Meaningful Mindfulness Routine
- Learn to say no: Say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities or that will add unnecessary stress to your day. CHECK OUT: Learn to say ‘Enough’
- Keep a clean and organised space: A cluttered and disorganised space can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up and keep your space organised. CHECK OUT: How to Perfect Your Cleaning and Organising Skills
- Set boundaries: Set boundaries with your time and energy. Don’t overcommit yourself or take on too much. Prioritise self-care and make time for the things that matter most to you. CHECK OUT: The Importance of Setting Personal Boundaries
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