Create a Digital Bunker and Get More Done

I know how easy it is to get pulled in a dozen directions during the workday. And if you’re feeling that way too—constantly shifting between emails, meetings, notifications, and pop-up tasks—it’s probably taking a toll on your focus and energy.

That’s where the idea of a digital bunker comes in. It’s not a fancy tool or app. It’s a simple approach to carving out time and space both physically and digitally so you can do your most important work without distractions.

You don’t have to stay in your digital bunker all day, but setting it up for an hour or two can help you find your focus and get more done with less stress.

Here’s how you can create your own digital bunker:

1. Pick Your Focus Time and Protect It

The first step is deciding when you’ll go into bunker mode. For many people, it’s early in the day before the inbox takes over, but choose a time that works best for you. Then, block it off on your calendar and treat it like an important meeting: no interruptions and no last-minute schedule changes.

Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, close your inbox, and let anyone you work closely with know you’ll be unavailable for that block. You could even add a quick line to your email signature like, “I check messages at 11 and 3” to set expectations.

2. Block Out the Noise

Now, shut the digital doors. That means closing all the browser tabs you're not actively using, logging out of Slack or Teams, and muting notifications. If you need an extra nudge, tools like Freedom or Cold Turkey can block distractions for you.

If you're still juggling tasks that take you out of your zone, let's talk about whether it makes sense for me to take them off your plate. That’s exactly what I’m here for.

3. Make It Easy to Dive In

One of the hardest parts of focused work is just getting started. That’s why I recommend creating a quick “bunker routine” to help you shift into focus mode. It could be as simple as:

• Lighting a candle

• Turning on your favorite playlist

• Tidying your desk

• Writing down your top 1-3 priorities

• Starting a timer for an hour

  
  

The goal is to make your brain realize it’s time to focus, without expending a lot of effort.

Creating a digital bunker is one of the simplest ways to make your workday feel calmer and more intentional. Even 30–60 minutes of distraction-free time can help you move your important projects forward in a meaningful way.

If you’re not sure where to find the time, or need help with the mechanics of creating your digital bunker, I’m always happy to take a few tasks off your list or brainstorm with you!