Let’s face it: the internet is a wild, untamed beast. One minute, you’re productively working on that important project, and the next, you’re down a rabbit hole of cat videos and obscure Wikipedia articles. We’ve all been there. But what if I told you there’s a way to tame this digital wilderness? Enter URL blocking – your secret weapon for reclaiming your time and sanity online. So, stay tuned to know how to block URLs
Remember when we used to blame our lack of productivity on TV? Those were simpler times. Now, the struggle is real with the internet at our fingertips 24/7. A study by RescueTime found that the average person spends 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phone each day—nearly a full day each week! It’s time we took matters into our own hands.
Now that we’ve established why URL blocking is the digital equivalent of eating your vegetables let’s dive into the how. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a tech wizard to make this happen.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, browser extensions are your new best friend. They’re like the microwave meals of URL blocking – quick, easy, and get the job done.
One popular option is the “Block Site” extension, which has over 2 million users and a 4.5-star rating.
Most of these extensions allow you to set up a password. Do it. In the future, you will thank the present when the temptation to “just check Facebook for a minute” strikes.
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Editing your host’s file is like the homemade sourdough bread of URL blocking—it takes more effort, but the results are oh-so-satisfying.
Warning: This method blocks the site system-wide. If you suddenly need to access that site for legitimate reasons, you’ll need to undo your work.
If you’re serious about blocking URLs across all devices on your network, router-level blocking is the way to go. It’s like putting a bouncer at the door of your digital house.
Log into your router’s admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your browser)
Remember, the exact steps may vary depending on your router model. When in doubt, consult your router’s manual (yes, those still exist).
Many operating systems now offer built-in features to help manage website access.
If you’re managing Chrome browsers in an organization, you can use the Google Admin Console:
Here’s a fun fact: a study by the University of California found that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to a task after being interrupted. By blocking distracting URLs, you’re not just saving time; you’re preserving your mental energy and focus.
While we’re all for productivity, it’s worth noting that URL blocking isn’t without its controversies. In some countries, governments use URL blocking as a form of censorship. As of 2021, Freedom House reported that internet freedom declined for the 11th consecutive year globally. So, while you’re blocking cat videos, remember that with great power comes great responsibility.
Remember, blocking URLs isn’t about restricting yourself; it’s about freeing yourself. It’s a tool to help you become the focused, productive person you aspire to be. So go forth and block – your future, less-distracted self will thank you.
Most blocking methods can be temporarily disabled. Just remember to re-enable them afterward!
Absolutely! Look for parental control apps or use built-in features like Screen Time on iOS.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
