According to Nursery Management, “It can be eye-opening to find out where all your time goes in a day. Make a list of how you spend your time in a 24-hour period. Account for things like sleeping, eating, self-care, exercise, entertainment, surfing the web, work and housework. You might be surprised to discover one or more “time robbers” that you were unaware of before. But that’s good news, because once you recognize them, you can take action to focus on them less.”
Eliminating distractions starts by setting boundaries. Not only for yourself, but for others as well. It is very easy to get off task when others are vying for your attention. Learning to say no is of utmost importance. For those items you can’t say no to, you will need to create a to-do list and schedule the items into your day.
Replace Multitasking with Monotasking
Another way to eliminate distractions is to avoid multi-tasking. VeryWellMind notes, “While multitasking seems like a great way to get a lot done at once, research has shown that our brains are not nearly as good at handling multiple tasks as we like to think they are. In fact, some research suggests that multitasking can hamper your productivity by reducing your comprehension, attention, and overall performance.” Multitasking can also have a negative effect on working memory and cognitive functioning. For these reasons, it’s best to focus on one task at a time to stay on track and get things done efficiently.
Social Media, Email, and Online Entertainment
While social media can be entertaining and a great source of news, it can also be a major distraction! Staying off social media during the workday just makes sense. Limit social media and online entertainment usage to break times and lunch hours. Doing this will keep the distraction out of the office and allow for all your attention to be focused on the task at hand. This can also be said for personal email. To avoid the distraction, limit its’ use in the workplace!
Flex Jobs reminds us that “Closing excess windows on your computer that aren’t directly connected to the work at hand. Silencing or shutting off news alerts and other pop-ups. Being disciplined about conquering digital distraction.”
How to Stay Focused While Working From Home – Tips & Tricks
- Give yourself ample time to wake up
You can’t rush perfection, so why rush your morning routine? Allowing yourself ample time to wake up each morning before starting the workday will ensure you begin tasks with full focus and clarity.
- Get dressed every day
We’ve all heard the phrase “Dress for success”. Well, it rings true in a work from home environment too. According to Lisaa Delhi, “The way we dress not only reflects our personal style, but it also has a profound influence on our mood and behavior. In fact, studies have shown that dressing professionally can greatly boost our self-esteem and overall performance in various aspects of life.”
- Go outside
I know, this sounds silly, but people who work from home see less of the outdoors than those who commute for work! A change of scenery can work wonders for the psyche. In fact, Stories Beneath The Shell adds, “It’s proven to be a stress relief and an antidepressant due to vegetation and greenery. Being outside is also linked to increased cognitive ability and better mental and physical health.” Fresh air and sunshine are natural mood enhancers, and a great way to get some much-needed vitamin D!
- Socialize with friends in real life
This goes hand in hand with going outside. Interacting with people outside of co-workers is crucial for creating a healthy balance between work and home life. HireCall states, “Remote work can blur the lines between work and normal life, with workers feeling increasingly lonely and isolated and working more hours.” This can lead to unwanted stress and depression, which cause loss of focus. So, get out there – Make some friends, find a hobby, have fun!
- Set boundaries
This is a big one for me… When there is no physical separation from your home life and your work life it can be easy for the two blend together. That’s why it’s so important to draw boundaries around your working time. Closing the door to your home office is a great start. This signals your body that it’s time to focus on work. If you don’t have an office, setting up a designated space works just as well. Setting alarms and staying on time and on task are other easy ways to keep your focus during the workday.
- Take a break (or two)
A lot of us work through our lunches or breaks. This is an unhealthy habit that needs to be broken! Studies show that our brains and bodies need breaks between tasks. It helps us to reset and be more productive. Embrace your lunch hour! Have lunch with a friend, take a walk, take a nap, or get some exercise. Whatever you do, make the most of your time AWAY from the office.
- Find a work from home buddy
Having someone else who is in the same (work from home) boat is a great idea! It creates an outlet if you need someone to talk to throughout the day. This person can be the shoulder to lean on, the rock you bounce ideas off, or even an accountability buddy that keeps you on task.
