Attention Restoration: Remote Place

yuval bloch

Two weeks into my Focus Restoration Plan, I decided to expand the experimental design to incorporate new tools for enhancing focus and productivity. My choice was a classic method: working from a remote location.

This technique of stepping away from one’s regular environment to boost concentration has been utilized by some of the greatest minds in history—from Bill Gates to Charles Darwin, and Agatha Christie to Carl Jung. This strategy clearly serves the finest intellectual traditions.

Still, while I traveled to a remote place, I had no intention of isolating myself. On the contrary, I specifically chose a town where I have friends I was eager to see. This dual approach led me to explore two core, interlinked questions:

  1. Will a change of scenery and a more remote location genuinely enhance my focus?
  2. Can I maintain this heightened focus while simultaneously cultivating a vibrant social life?

📝 Experimental Design

Location: Mitzpe Ramon

Mitzpe Ramon is a small, unique town in the Israeli Negev desert, situated dramatically on the edge of the Ramon Crater. It offers breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Despite facing some economic challenges, it has become a magnet for young artists and creators, fostering a remarkably vibrant social scene. I have a history here, having lived in the town while studying at the Open University, so I still have many friends in the area.

The Ramon Crater view from a small cave in the cliff
The Ramon Crater view from a small cave in the cliff.

Time and Task

  • Time: The experiment ran for six nights, from Tuesday, November 4th, to Monday morning, November 10th. (Note: As I am Jewish, I did not work on Saturday; instead, I spent the day traveling near the town with friends.)
  • Task: My primary focus was writing. Following a decision with my PI, my main task was to create the first full draft of a new version of my paper, which would allow us to assess the missing elements and decide on the next steps. I also planned to dedicate some time to my blog.

Schedule

My daily routine was structured yet flexible:

  • Morning (7:30 - 8:30 AM): Waking up, followed by yoga and meditation practiced on the cliff edge.
  • Workday: After breakfast, I began my sessions. My goal was four focused work blocks daily, each lasting between 50 minutes to 1 hour, separated by walking breaks.
  • Afternoon (Pre-4:20 PM): I usually completed all work before 4:20 PM.
  • Evening: I would go to see the sunset, then spend the rest of the evening with friends or reading.
  • Crucial Rule: I strictly did not use internet-based entertainment throughout the experiment.
sunset over the cliff
Sunset over the cliff. Watching this view after a focused workday offered a powerful sense of clarity and reward.

Cost

  • Accommodation: A sublet in a nice apartment cost me 660 ILS (approx. $200 USD) for the duration.
  • Additional Duty: I was responsible for taking care of a cute but often rude cat named Nikita.
  • Food: I made a concerted effort to eat only healthy, home-cooked food.

✅ Results: Focus and Social Harmony

During my stay, the productivity boost was undeniable: I successfully completed the introduction, discussion, and abstract of my paper. This represents a significant advancement—far more progress than I typically achieve in five average working days.

In terms of socializing, the results were equally positive. I spent extensive time with old friends, made new acquaintances, attended a music concert, toured the area, and even participated in a contact jam.

The key to blending a deep focus on work with a vibrant social life can be attributed to three main elements:

  1. Strict Schedule Adherence: Clearly separating and allocating dedicated blocks of time for work and leisure proved essential.
  2. The Simplicity of the Local Community: Socializing in Mitzpe Ramon requires minimal planning, texting, or concern over social formalities. Gathering spots are organic and known: the cliff at sunset, the grass near the community center, and “The Brech” (The Knee), the local bar. The community is welcoming; it is common to join friends sitting with strangers, and people frequently exchange waves. This simplicity was a crucial de-stressor.
  3. The Power of Setting Boundaries: This was perhaps the most vital element. Being able to gracefully exit a pleasant social event when I needed rest allowed my attention to fully recover, ensuring I was ready for another productive workday.
chai on the cliffs
People gathering on the cliffs as my frinds sell chai and cake at sunset. Socializing here is effortless and organic, requiring minimal planning.

🔮 What Next: Future Environments

The remarkable success of this plan validates my hypothesis: the act of moving itself carries significant value for focus enhancement. This experiment has energized me to test more short-term working environments in the future:

  1. Isolated Location: Testing three or four days in a highly isolated location, perhaps a farm in the deep desert, to experience total solitude and compare the results to the social retreat.
  2. Co-living Space: Exploring a dedicated co-living space. These are designed for mixing focused work and communal living, though they often require a longer time commitment (three weeks or more) and might necessitate travel abroad (e.g., in Europe).
working from a coffee house
While most of the days I worked from the apartment, one day I experimented by working from a local coffee house called "Cafe Ginna" (Garden Cafe).