Cold Turkey: A Firm Approach to Blocking Distractions
Cold Turkey takes a more hardline approach to productivity. This app is known for being difficult to bypass once a block session is active. If you need strong boundaries to resist online temptations, it may be the tool for you.
Here is why it works well. Unlike simple browser extensions, Cold Turkey blocks distractions across the entire computer. That means you cannot just switch browsers or apps to get around it. Once you activate a block, it stays until the timer ends.
Letβs break it down. You can create blocklists of sites and apps you want to restrict. For example, you might block Facebook, Reddit, and Netflix during your study hours. You can also schedule recurring blocks or set up custom timers that align with your work routine. The app even offers a writing mode called Cold Turkey Writer, which locks your screen until you hit a word or time goal.
The firm design makes it especially useful for people who have tried softer blockers but still end up wasting time. If you often disable extensions or find ways around your own systems, Cold Turkey closes those gaps.
Another feature is break reminders. You can set the app to pause your computer for a stretch or rest period after long work sessions. This supports balance between focus and rest. Cold Turkey also allows you to block the entire internet if needed, turning your computer into an offline-only device for a set duration.
One important point is that once a session starts, you cannot quit the app until the block ends. This no-nonsense structure is what makes it different. It works like a digital lock that forces you to stick to your goals.
Next steps: Cold Turkey offers both a free version and a Pro version with expanded features like scheduled breaks, password-protected blocks, and more customization. If you want strict discipline and find yourself bypassing lighter tools, this app could be the solution that finally helps you focus.