I don’t use Google Chat much. But through my little experience of this Google service, available with Workspace, I found that due to the different time zones, it can quickly become a problem. When I’m on vacation or when I have to concentrate on something to write, for example.
Anyone who makes a living by writing words understands this. When you’re in a stream, whenever there’s an interruption, it might take a while to get back to running. And when that happens regularly, it not only takes longer to finish what you’re writing, but you also run the risk of a storytelling going awry. It happens to me every day. Between my wife, my cats, and (yes) Google Chat, I have to work hard to stay focused.
Once that focus is lost, I know it will take time to get back into flow.
That’s why I started using Google Chat’s “Do Not Disturb” feature. I use this feature in particular by creating “Do Not Disturb” schedules for times of the day when I know my concentration is easier to break (for example, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) . That’s why I put in place a “do not disturb” procedure for these times to make sure no one can make me lose my feed.
How to proceed ? Let me show it to you.
How to Create Do Not Disturb Schedules in Google Chat
The only things you will need are a valid Google account and web browser. There it’s done. All you have to do is get to work.
1. Open Gmail settings
The first thing to do is to open the Gmail settings window. To do this, open Gmail in your browser, click the gear icon (Settings) in the upper right corner, then click See all parameterss in the context menu.
Google Chat settings can be accessed through the Gmail Settings menu. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
2. Go to Chat Settings
In the window that appears, click the tab Chat and Meetthen on Manage chat settings.
You can also access the Google Meet settings window from here. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
3. Create a Custom Do Not Disturb Schedule
Scroll down until you see the ‘Do Not Disturb Schedules’ section and click ‘Create’.
By default, you’ll find two pre-configured Do Not Disturb slices that you can immediately activate. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
4. Add your first schedule
In the pop-up window, select a start time and an end time for this first schedule, then select the days for which you want the schedule to be applied. By default, all days are selected. Once you have created the first schedule, save and you will be taken back to the section Do not disturb schedules.
You can create a Do Not Disturb schedule for a single day, multiple days, or an entire week. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
5. Continue to create custom schedules as needed
Keep creating custom schedules until you are satisfied. Make sure each of your new schedules is activated and you’re done.
My personalized Google Chat schedules do not disturb. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once you’ve set up your new “Do Not Disturb” times, you can be sure no one will interrupt you during those times. I’ve found this feature to be invaluable in keeping me focused, especially when I need the most help).
Source: “ZDNet.com”