Focus Timer: Your Guide to Staying on Task and Doing More Deep Work
Learn how LifeTab’s Focus Timer helps you stay on task and do more deep work by turning your new tab page into a distraction-free workspace tailored to your focus needs.
Sep 25, 2024
The LifeTab Focus Timer is a feature that turns your new tab page into a focus workspace, displaying the tasks you want to concentrate on for a set period. It's designed to help you do more deep work and create a distraction-free environment right in your browser. Here's how to set it up and use it effectively:
Quick Start Guide
Start a session by clicking on the "Start Session" button on the focus timer card on your ‘Today’ page
Configure your session duration and select the tasks you want to focus on
Start your focus session
Review your session summary and track your progress
Understanding the Focus Timer
Key Features
Customisable Sessions: Set your ideal focus duration
Task Integration: Link your focus sessions to specific tasks
Distraction-Free Environment: Replaces your new tab page with a focused workspace that displays only your selected tasks and the time remaining.
Session Controls: Pause, extend, or end sessions as needed
Progress Tracking: See the time spent in deep work each day
How to Use the Focus Timer
Starting a Session
There are two ways to start a focus session:
Hover over a task and click the focus session icon
Click the "Start Session" button in the Focus Timer card on your dashboard
Configuring Your Session
Set Duration:
Default is 25 minutes (this can be customised in settings)
Use (+) and (-) buttons to adjust in 5-minute increments
Choose from preset durations or type in a custom time
Select Tasks:
Choose at least one task to focus on during your session
You can add multiple tasks if needed
Start Your Session: Click "Start session" to launch your deep work session
During Your Focus Session
Your new tab page will transform to show:
Current focus session number
Selected task(s)
Time remaining
Session controls
Available controls:
Add or subtract time
Pause/Break
End Session
Minimize timer
Reset timer
Ending Your Session
When your timer ends or you choose to end the session you'll see a summary screen that displays
Session number for that day
Time spent focused
Completed and uncompleted tasks
You will have the options to:
Add more time
Close the session
Start a new session
Tracking Your Progress
On the Today page, the Focus Timer card shows your total focused time for the day. This allows you to quickly gauge your progress and stay motivated. (We have plans to add more tracking features to the Focus Timer, you can learn more in the ‘Upcoming Features’ section below.)
Customising Your Focus Timer
Go to the Focus Timer settings to adjust:
Default Duration: Set your preferred session length (e.g., 25 minutes)
Timer Increment: Choose how much time to add/subtract with (+) and (-) buttons (e.g., 5 minutes)
Timer Complete Sound: Select a sound to signal the end of your session
Tips for Effective Use
Start Small: Begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase as you build your focus muscle
Prepare: Before you start your session, make sure you are prepared to work uninterrupted. Turn your phone on do not disturb mode, get a glass of water, and do anything else you think will help you zone in for the focus time you’ve set.
Be Realistic: Choose tasks that fit within your session duration
Build a Deep Work Habit: Make focused sessions a daily priority. These concentrated blocks of time are your opportunity to produce your best work and work towards your most important goals. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself
Combine with the Site Blocker: For maximum focus, use alongside LifeTab's Site Blocker feature
Upcoming Features
We have some additions to the Focus Timer that we’re excited about adding in the future. These include:
Daily and weekly goals: Set specific targets for your deep work sessions, to help
Dedicated focus timer reports age: Get deeper insights into your productivity patterns with detailed reports and visualisations.
Project-based time tracking: See how much time you've spent working on different projects, allowing for better time management and project planning.
Adding manual focus time: If deep work isn’t tracked, did it even happen? Of course! We’ll let you manually add time spent in deep work so that your stats accurately reflect reality.
Chimes: Choose a sound to play at regular intervals during your deep work session to gently remind you to stay on task.
Embrace Focus in a Distracted World
In a world where the internet can be an endless source of distraction, the Focus Timer is your ally in doing more of what truly matters. It's here to help you carve out dedicated time for your most important work and help you stay on track. Why not give it a try today? You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you're truly focused. Start small, be consistent, and watch as you build a powerful habit of deep, meaningful work.