What a 90-minute block is good for
Ninety minutes is a popular size for a single deep work block, loosely based on the idea of 90-minute daily rhythms. It suits writing, research and complex code: work that takes time to load into your head.
- One deep work block first thing in the morning.
- Long-form writing.
- A full practice exam.
- A movie-length creative session.
Making a 90-minute session work
A ninety-minute session is a big investment, so schedule it rather than hoping for it. Many people protect one such block each morning for their most important work and keep meetings and messages for later in the day. Have water to hand, decide the single outcome you are aiming for, and allow yourself to stand and stretch without leaving the task. When the chime sounds, take a proper break of fifteen to twenty minutes before anything else demanding.
How to use it
- Press Start. The 90-minute countdown runs in the ring, and a soft chime marks the end.
- Add sound from the Mix or Sounds tab. A steady background such as rain or brown noise makes it easier to stay in the session.
- Open focus mode (the expand button, or press V) for a large, distraction-free countdown that keeps the screen awake.
- Change any length in the timer settings; the next session uses it.
Sound to pair with it
Low, unobtrusive sound wears best over 90 minutes: brown noise, steady rain or a submarine hum. Set the volume a little lower than feels necessary at the start; over a long session your ears adjust, and a quiet bed of sound is easier to forget about than a loud one.
Questions
- Should I take a break inside 90 minutes?
- If your focus fades, a short pause is better than pushing through. The 90/20 timer adds a 20-minute break after each block.
- Will the timer keep time if I switch tabs or lock my phone?
- Yes. The timer counts against the real clock rather than ticking in the background, so it stays accurate when the tab is hidden or the screen is off. Turn on notifications in the timer settings to be told when a session ends.
- Does the timer work offline?
- Yes. Once Focuship has loaded, or is installed to your home screen, the timer, the chime and the generated noises all work without a connection.