I find notifications of new messages (even seeing the number of unread new messages) very distracting. But I value using Gmail's interface - with labels, conversation view, keyboard shortcuts, and syncing drafts across my machines. Are there any ways in which I can do so but block notifications of new messages? The simplest way would be to make Gmail only check for new messages manually, as you can do with desktop clients like Apple Mail.The only way I've found is to use the Gmail Offline extension in Chrome but disable my internet.
Stopping Gmail showing new messages
gmail
This GMail tweak does just what you're after:http://inboxpause.com/INBOX PAUSE adds a pause button to your Gmail. Inbox Pause ButtonWhen you click that button, new messages will stop arriving inyour Inbox.  They will be held in a special label until you areready for them.If you choose, INBOX PAUSE can notify the peoplewho email you to let them know that their message will not bedelivered to your Inbox. 3 When you unpause your Inbox, all of themessages that you received during the break will be moved to yourInbox, and new messages will arrive as before.Inbox Pause Button