I don’t use Google Chat much. But for those contacts that do communicate with me via Google’s service, I’ve found that (thanks to differing time zones), it can quickly become an issue when I’m either off the clock or need to be focused on a particular writing task.
Also: How to let the right people reach you even when you’re on Do Not Disturb
Anyone who makes a living writing words understands. You get into a flow and every time there’s an interruption, it can take time to get back into that groove. When that happens consistently, not only does it take more time to complete whatever it is you’re writing, you run the risk of a jarring narrative. It happens to me daily. Between my wife, my cats, and (yes) Google Chat, I have to excerpt considerable effort to stay focused during those times of intense concentration.
Once that concentration is blown, I know it’s going to take me some time to get back into the flow.
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That’s why I’ve started using Google Chat’s Do not disturb schedules. One way I use this feature is by creating Do not disturb schedules for those times of the day when I know my concentration is more easily broken (for example, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Those are the times during the day when I’m either just ramping up or my brain is starting to get a bit weary of banging out words. To that end, I set DND schedules for those periods to ensure no one can pull me out of my flow.
How do you do it? Let me show you.
How to create ‘Do not disturb’ schedules in Google Chat
What you’ll need: The only things you’ll need for this are a valid Google account and a web browser. That’s it. Let’s get to work.
The Google Chat settings are accessed via the Gmail Settings menu. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
In the resulting window, click the Chat and Meet tab and then click Manage chat settings.
You can also access the Google Meet settings window from here. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Scroll down until you see the Do not disturb schedules section and click Create new.
By default, you’ll find two pre-configured Do not disturb schedules you can immediately enable. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
In the popup window, select a start and finish time for this first schedule and then select the days for which you want the schedule applied. By default, every day will be selected.
Also: How to create multiple Google Calendars (and why you should)
Once you’ve created the first schedule, click Save and you’ll be taken back to the Do not disturb schedules section.
You can create a Do not disturb schedule for a single day, multiple days, or the entire week. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Continue creating custom schedules until you’re satisfied. Make sure each of your new schedules is enabled and you’re done.
My custom Google Chat Do not disturb schedules. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
With your new Do not disturb schedules configured, you can be sure no one will interrupt you during those periods.
Also: How to quickly search Google Calendar for past or future events
I’ve found this feature to be invaluable to keep me focused (especially during those times when I need the most help).
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