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.
Why This Is a Rule
A minimized Slack window with a silenced notification badge consumes zero screen space — but it consumes executive function continuously. Your brain knows the app is there, knows messages might be arriving, and must constantly suppress the impulse to check. This suppression is active work performed by the prefrontal cortex, depleting the same executive function resource you need for deep cognitive work. The app isn't interrupting you; you're interrupting yourself by continuously resisting the urge to check it.
Closing the application entirely removes the suppression cost. When Slack isn't running, there's no impulse to suppress — the option doesn't exist. The executive function spent on suppression is now available for the deep work. This is the same principle as Subtract unwanted affordances before adding desired ones… (remove unwanted affordances before adding desired ones): the communication app is an affordance for checking that competes with the deep work affordance.
The distinction between "minimized" and "closed" seems trivial but the cognitive difference is substantial. Minimized = accessible with one click = constant low-grade suppression. Closed = inaccessible without deliberate re-opening = zero suppression cost. The one click of re-opening is enough friction to make self-interruption a deliberate choice rather than an impulsive one.
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.