Blocking distractions

How an app called Ochi is helping me get things done [233]

A collection of colourful LED lights hang in front of a dusk sky looking out to sea.

Greetings

Hello Computer. A newsletter about being different. I’m Pete Carr (they/them) an autistic writer and photographer identifying as non-binary with ADHD and sprinkles on top.

Viewscreen

The photos in this post are from a commission in Blackpool for artists Amigo and Amigo as part of the light installation festival. It was nice to stop and look at a cloud of lights set against the backdrop of the sea.

A circle of colourful LED lights against a blue sky.

Captain’s Log

In an attempt to mitigate issues from one medical condition, I inadvertently created another. This week I have mostly been recovering from Achilles tendon issues. It’s not all bad. I got to photograph comedian/artist Johnny Vegas. I even made him laugh.

Distrctions

Continuing my inward look at how ADHD affects me and what I can do about it, I gave some thought to managing distractions this week. Previously I have written about how to use Safari Profiles in macOS Sonoma (also available wherever you can install Safari 17)and iOS 17 to put my mind into a productive workflow. I have one profile for work and one for personal. It helps me reduce the chances of bumping into personal thoughts during work time, and switch off from work after. This has been useful, but it doesn’t stop me from opening a website and losing focus.

Another Apple feature, Screen Time, can help block distractions but it’s more about reducing access than blocking. You set limits. 5 minutes for Instagram. 10 minutes for Mini Motorways. If you need more you can push through the block. This is a system based on the idea that it’s too easy to sit on your phone all day, so maybe your phone should stop you after an allowed time. Fine, but not what I need.

Instead of getting real work done I became distracted by this idea and looked into ways to reduce being distracted. I found an app for macOS and iOS (Other apps may be available) called Ochi.

Ochi was built for people that want to quickly block distracting apps & websites, at the press of a button.

Block access to iOS apps, Mac apps, and Websites
Filter websites by category, including Social Media, Chat, and News
Schedule Recurring Filters. No more social media on late weeknights!
Apply multiple timed or untimed filters, with different rules
Limit how often filters can be temporarily suspended
Lock & hide sensitive filter details
Assign shortcuts to filters that turn on Focus and filters on other devices
Integrate Ochi into your workflow with Shortcut automations
Sync filters between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Themeable widgets for quickly starting a filter

It is a subscription app, and becomes useful when you subscribe as it unlocks scheduling, suspending filters and website categories. You can also specify what website to redirect to when your concentration lapses. I am tempted to set it to Dennis Nedry finger wagging. The subscription is £20/year and isn’t too bad for me right now assuming this app helps.

I’ve set a schedule for weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During lunch, I can pause that for 10 minutes to play Wordle with my wife. So far, the system works.

Screenshot showing how many distractions Ochi has blocked today. 10 so far.

Not only does it block websites but it also blocks applications. I have it set to block gaming and media apps. Right now it’s taking a lot of my concentration not to open GeForce Now and see what Cities: Skylines 2 is like. Just 10 minutes? Right? Right??? I’ve found my muscle memory hitting Option+Space to launch Raycast quick launcher, typing Infuse (my Plex video client) and waiting to find something to watch. Only nothing happens and then I remember. It’s work time.

I’ve only been using the app for a few days, but I am finding it useful. Due to an ongoing foot issue, I’ve been working from the couch this week. It’s hard to feel like you’re at work on the couch. Ochi has helped keep me on track… mostly. My brain is trying to find new websites to be distracted by, but at least I can add them to the block list.