Many more of us are working from home right now.
This is a new experience for some or it could be something you’ve done for a while. One thing’s for certain, unless you have a separate office in the garden or in a sound-proofed, room in the house that you can lock yourself away in, it’s easy to be distracted by what’s going on around you at home. Whether it’s your partner vacuuming, kids on half term running around the house or the cat deciding your keyboard is the most comfortable place to sit in the whole house, here are 6 ways you can avoid these day-to-day distractions and stay focused.
1. Turn off mobile notifications
The easy way to stop your phone from interrupting you is to simply disable the WIFI and mobile data while you work, so you can only receive calls and SMS texts. But if this is a little too drastic for you, there are apps to enable you to switch off notifications from specific apps. Here’s a useful article describing 6 apps that (ironically!) stop you using apps: 6 Apps to Stop Your Smartphone Addiction
2. Make a to-do list
Create a daily to-do list and tell yourself you must get it all done before you allow yourself to enjoy a welcome distraction. Place the most major, more demanding task(s) at the start of your day, followed by a tea break away from the computer. Schedule the easier, less important/less urgent work to be done later in the afternoon when you might not be as alert/more likely to be distracted. Having a structured day will make it easier to get stuff done rather than procrastinate.
3. Use a separate browser or user login on your computer for personal use
Having tabs or software open that is for personal use while you work makes it a temptation to use them e.g. a gaming app would be better under a different user account on your computer so you are less likely to use it while working.
4. Noise cancelling headphones
If you don’t have a separate area to work in and close off other noise, then invest in some good noise cancelling headphones. Noises at home that can break your concentration are the doorbell, home phone calls, the TV and the dog next door that barks at everything.
5. Work at a café sometimes
This is one that I particularly like. I know of a few cafés that have special offers e.g. a sandwich, unlimited coffee and access to WIFI for a set price, to encourage people to bring their laptop and work in them.
6. Explain to friends that you still have to work uninterrupted during office hours
What I noticed when I started working at home was that some friends and relatives assume you are free to chat any time, as you’re not at the office. It made it awkward to tell them you’re busy and can’t chat right now as I didn’t want to cause offence, but I also didn’t want to ignore their calls in case it was something important. So just let them know the best time(s) to reach you e.g. between 1 and 2pm (if that’s your lunchtime) or after 5pm. This is another reason to have a structured day with set break times!
Working from home can be a great experience with many benefits, but you do need to stay disciplined and reduce the chance of your attention going elsewhere. Oh and finally, get a second keyboard for your cat!
