recipe-block-focus-time

Block Focus Time on Google Calendar

Create recurring focus time blocks on Google Calendar to protect deep work hours.

When to Use

Use this workflow when the user wants to block off recurring time for deep work, focus sessions, or protected time on their calendar.

Workflow

1. Check existing schedule

Review the current week to find good slots for focus time:

gws calendar +agenda --week --format table

2. Confirm details with the user

Ask the user for:

• Days — which weekdays (e.g., Mon-Fri, or specific days)
• Time window — start and end time
• Timezone — their local timezone
• Title — what to call the block (default: "Focus Time")

3. Create the recurring block

Use --dry-run first to preview:

gws calendar events insert \
  --params '{"calendarId": "primary"}' \
  --json '{"summary": "Focus Time", "description": "Protected deep work block", "start": {"dateTime": "START_TIME", "timeZone": "TIMEZONE"}, "end": {"dateTime": "END_TIME", "timeZone": "TIMEZONE"}, "recurrence": ["RRULE:FREQ=WEEKLY;BYDAY=MO,TU,WE,TH,FR"], "transparency": "opaque"}' \
  --dry-run

Confirm with the user, then execute without --dry-run.

4. Verify it shows as busy

gws calendar +agenda --format table

Safety

• Always --dry-run before creating recurring events — they're hard to undo in bulk
• Set "transparency": "opaque" so the block shows as "busy" to others

Tips

• Use RRULE:FREQ=WEEKLY;BYDAY=MO,WE,FR for specific days
• Add COUNT=12 to the RRULE to limit to 12 weeks instead of indefinitely