Improve your focus and productivity with this Python tool

Limiting distractions helps you focus on your work so you can increase productivity. Prioritizing your tasks, especially when you have too much on your plate, is one way to help you focus on the most important or high-attention things on your list. 

Another way to focus on tasks is Python Concentration, a helpful tool I found a few years ago for improving my time-management skills and increasing my focus. It is a simple Python 3 console utility that reduces distractions by blocking things like gaming, news sites, YouTube, and Netflix when I need to pay attention to work, but it also allows me to take timed breaks when I need them.

Image by:

^{(Timothy Crosley, CC BY-SA 4.0)}

Getting started with Concentration

Concentration uses pip, the Python Package Installer, for installation. If needed, install pip with:

• Fedora: $ dnf install pip
• RHEL/CentOS: $ yum install pip
• Debian: $ apt install pip

Then use pip to install Concentration with either:

$ pip3 install concentration

or, if pip is already set to use Python 3:

$ pip install concentration

You can install Concentration as a regular user or as a privileged user (root).

Block distracting sites

Concentration uses your /etc/hosts file as the mechanism to block sites. It also comes with a default list of blocked sites, called DISTRACTORS. You can check the list with:

$ sudo concentration blocked

You can add sites to this list under DISTRACTORS in your settings.py file. The path will depend on your installation (mine is /usr/local/lib/python3.8/site-packages/concentration/settings.py).

Image by:

^{(Timothy Crosley, CC BY-SA 4.0)}

If you're on a site you want to block, enter:

$ sudo concentration improve

Take a break

It may sound counterintuitive, but taking short breaks during your workday can help you focus on your work better. Concentration allows you to take time-limited breaks so you can clear your head while helping you get back on task when your break time is over.

To take a short, five-minute break, which is counted in seconds:

$ sudo concentration break

To take a long, 60-minute break:

$ sudo concentration break -m 60

To pause Concentration so you can access all sites (like when you're not at work):

$ sudo concentration lose

Give it a try

Concentration is a simple, very useful tool that will help you focus throughout your day and take breaks to relax when you need them.

If you think this tweak is interesting, give it a try and report what you think in the comments below. And, if you know of other cool tricks to improve your focus and avoid distractions, please share them in the comments, as well.