Close communication apps entirely during deep work…
When entering a scheduled deep work block, close all communication applications entirely rather than minimizing or silencing them, because accessibility to self-interruption sources depletes executive function through continuous suppression effort even when not actively checked.
When This Fires
- At the start of every scheduled deep work block
- When deep work sessions feel unfocused despite eliminating external interruptions — internal suppression may be the drain
- When "I didn't check my messages" during deep work still feels cognitively expensive
- Complements Turn off all social platform push notifications — each one… (turn off notifications) with the session-level application-closing step
Common Failure Mode
Silencing but not closing: "I turned off notifications — I won't check." The notification badge is invisible but the knowledge that the app is one click away creates the suppression cost. Your brain periodically wonders "what if something important came in?" and must suppress the check impulse. Close the app entirely. Re-open it after the deep work block ends.
The Protocol
(1) Before entering a deep work block (Make the threshold moment clean and undeniable — close… threshold moment): close all communication applications. Not minimize. Not mute. Close. (2) Applications to close: email client, messaging apps (Slack, Teams, Discord), social media, and any browser tab that could produce new information. (3) If you need a specific app for the deep work (browser for research) → close all tabs except the work-relevant ones. (4) After the deep work block ends (Ultradian trough signals… ultradian trough) → re-open communication apps during the recovery break. Batch-process messages before the next deep work cycle. (5) The friction of re-opening is the feature: it makes checking a deliberate act rather than an impulsive habit.