How to Use Focus Mode to Block Distracting Websites and Boost Productivity

We've all been there: you sit down to work, open your browser, and suddenly 45 minutes have vanished into the Twitter void. Distracting websites are productivity's greatest enemy, but with the right tools, you can fight back.

Dream Afar's Focus Mode helps you block distracting websites and reclaim your attention. Here's how to use it effectively.

What is Focus Mode?

Focus Mode is a built-in feature in Dream Afar that:

• Blocks access to websites you specify
• Tracks focus time to measure productivity
• Creates a distraction-free environment for deep work
• Works automatically when enabled

Unlike standalone website blockers, Focus Mode is integrated directly into your new tab experience, making it easy to start focus sessions with a single click.

Setting Up Focus Mode

Step 1: Access Focus Mode Settings

1. Open a new tab in Chrome
2. Click the settings icon (gear) in Dream Afar
3. Navigate to "Focus Mode" in the menu

Step 2: Add Sites to Block

Create your blocklist by adding websites that distract you most:

Common distracting sites to consider:

To add a site:

1. Enter the domain (e.g., twitter.com)
2. Click "Add" or press Enter
3. Repeat for each site

Pro tip: Block the mobile versions too (e.g., m.twitter.com)

Step 3: Configure Focus Session Length

Choose how long your focus sessions should last:

• 25 minutes — Classic Pomodoro (recommended for starting out)
• 50 minutes — Extended focus block
• 90 minutes — Deep work session
• Custom — Set your own duration

Step 4: Start a Focus Session

Once configured:

1. Click "Start Focus" from your new tab
2. A timer will begin
3. Blocked sites will show a "Focus Mode Active" message
4. Work until the timer completes

Best Practices for Focus Mode

1. Start with Your Top 3 Distractions

Don't try to block everything at once. Identify your three biggest time-wasters and start there.

For most people, these are:

1. Social media (Twitter, Reddit, Instagram)
2. Video platforms (YouTube)
3. News sites

2. Use the Pomodoro Technique

Combine Focus Mode with the Pomodoro Technique:

Focus: 25 minutes → Break: 5 minutes
Focus: 25 minutes → Break: 5 minutes
Focus: 25 minutes → Break: 5 minutes
Focus: 25 minutes → Long Break: 15-30 minutes

This rhythm prevents burnout while maintaining productivity.

3. Schedule Focus Blocks

Instead of using Focus Mode reactively, schedule focus blocks in advance:

• Morning block (9-11 AM): Deep work, complex tasks
• Afternoon block (2-4 PM): Meetings-free creative time
• Evening block (if needed): Wrapping up tasks

4. Allow Productive Sites

Make sure not to block sites you actually need for work:

• Documentation sites
• Project management tools
• Communication tools (during collaboration time)
• Research databases

5. Track Your Progress

Review your focus stats regularly:

• How many focus sessions did you complete?
• What times are you most productive?
• Which blocked sites do you try to visit most?

Use this data to optimize your schedule and blocklist.

What Happens When You Try to Visit a Blocked Site

When Focus Mode is active and you try to visit a blocked site:

1. The page won't load
2. You'll see a "Focus Mode Active" message
3. You'll see how much time remains in your session
4. You can choose to:
   • Return to work
   • End focus session early (not recommended)

This friction is intentional — it gives you a moment to reconsider whether you really need to visit that site.

Common Questions

Can I override the block?

Yes, but we make it intentionally difficult. Focus Mode works best when you commit to the full session. If you find yourself constantly overriding blocks, consider:

• Shortening your focus sessions
• Taking more frequent breaks
• Addressing the root cause of distraction

Does it work in Incognito mode?

Focus Mode respects Chrome's extension permissions. By default, extensions don't run in Incognito. To enable:

1. Go to chrome://extensions
2. Find Dream Afar
3. Click "Details"
4. Enable "Allow in Incognito"

Can I schedule automatic focus times?

Currently, Focus Mode is manually activated. For scheduled blocking, you can use the browser's built-in features or combine Dream Afar with a scheduling extension.

What about mobile?

Focus Mode works on desktop Chrome. For mobile, consider using your phone's built-in Digital Wellbeing or Screen Time features.

The Science Behind Blocking Distractions

Research shows that:

• Task switching can cost up to 40% of productive time
• It takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction
• Environmental cues (like a blocked site message) are highly effective at changing behavior

By blocking distracting sites, you're not just avoiding time waste — you're protecting your ability to do deep, meaningful work.

Focus Mode vs. Other Blockers

Getting Started Today

Ready to reclaim your focus? Here's your action plan:

1. Install Dream Afar (if you haven't already)
2. Add 3 distracting sites to your blocklist
3. Start a 25-minute focus session
4. Complete the session without overriding
5. Take a 5-minute break
6. Repeat

After a week, review your progress and adjust your blocklist and session length as needed.

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Conclusion

Distractions are inevitable, but they don't have to control your day. Focus Mode gives you the power to choose when to focus and when to relax, rather than letting apps and websites make that choice for you.

Start small, build the habit, and watch your productivity soar.

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Ready to focus? Install Dream Afar free →