Here’s how To Avoid Distractions when Working from Home
Working from home is a dream for a lot of people. It offers the opportunity to create your own schedule, wear whatever you want, and be there for your kids when they return home after school. Unfortunately, it also brings a bunch of distractions that can make you feel like you’re never getting anything done. Here are things you can do to avoid distractions while working from home.
Create Boundaries
“Out of sight, out of mind” is a useful philosophy to adopt when trying to focus on work. So, make sure to block out distractions by moving to your workspace. It’s not just about blocking distractions, though — creating a defined workspace makes you aware that you are in “work mode,” and it helps to stay focused on the task at hand.
Avoid Media
It’s easy to get distracted if you try to work with multiple devices. Try turning off the TV and other devices or keeping them out of sight. Similarly, it’s important to block distracting websites like news sites and social media.
Set Your Phone on “do Not Disturb”
Your smartphone can be a huge distraction. Every time it vibrates or makes noise, you’ll want to pick it up and check the screen. Ensure the “Do Not Disturb” function is on so that you can concentrate on work without interruption. If you need to be reached, you can allow certain people to contact you even when the setting is in force.
Take Breaks
To avoid quitting work prematurely, schedule a ten-minute break every hour. For example, every time the hour hand reaches 12, take your first ten-minute break; For instance, if you’re working in the early afternoon, take your break at one o’clock. Then, take a second break when the hour hand reaches two o’clock, followed by a third break at three o’clock, and so on. If you have infants, toddlers, or kids who are home during the day, use your breaks to spend time with them.
Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
It’s crucial to take care of yourself when working remotely. Some distractions are unavoidable but don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself pausing to check social media or email once in a while. Just like we get hungry and need to eat food, it’s natural that we need to reconnect with people on a basic level. However, remember to return to the task at hand and continue being productive.
