Working at home is challenging because it’s free for all. There’s no supervisor to check if you’re procrastinating and there’s nobody to scold others who are causing a ruckus. So what should you do? You follow Clint Eastwood’s words: “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.”
1. Play background noises
Background noise can be anything. It can be your favorite playlist or an ambiance played on the speaker. Choose whatever background noise helps you stay focused. For some people like me, too much silence is distracting. That’s why I play office sounds while working.
2. Batch your tasks
If you don’t set a schedule to do your everyday tasks, they will overlap on each other and cause confusion and distraction. Without batching, you’ll find yourself answering emails while writing a blog. If you batch your tasks, you’ll be able to separate one work from another and give yourself more time to focus on one particular job.
3. Dress-up
Wearing your business attire can help you focus while working especially if you’re living with other people. Not only do you feel more comfortable being serious, others who are about to interrupt you will think twice when they see you in that, “Don’t Disturb!” outfit.
4. Have a dedicated workspace set-up
This strategy works best when you’re living with your family. You can use the attic, garden shed, or rear lawn as your workspace. If your home has enough space to have a small office, use it. Make sure it is hard to access by your kids as you work.
5. Invest in your office supplies
When you have your workspace set-up, invest money into it to make it an environment conducive for work. Have a shelf with file folder bins for documents. Buy a good computer and avail a stable and fast internet for working. Install soundproof foams to muffle outside noise.
6. Get organized
Follow up your task batching by keeping your table organized and clean. Only put what’s needed on your table according to the task on the schedule. Keep the urgent work at arm’s length and the non-urgent ones in the drawer.
7. Hide your phone, close your tabs
Put your phone on silent or close your social media tabs on your web browser. This way, you won’t get distracted by pop-up or sound notifications. While you’re at it, put your phone in the lowest drawer so getting it will be harder. This will make you think about it less as well.
8. Save the chores for later
Unwashed plates or mess in the kitchen? Leave it for clock out time. Work hours are for work and personal time is for housework.
9. Stick to a regular schedule
Doing housework before or sleeping into your work hours makes it hard for you to transition into productive mode. Start working at the same time you do in the office. You’ll find it easier to focus because the experience in a normal office setting is replicated at home.
10. Eat in the kitchen
Don’t keep food in your office desk. You’ll just be as distracted in the office because you’ll be thinking of food. Make the workspace a no-food zone. Eat lunch someplace else. Go to the kitchen to stuff yourself or leave your home and go to the park.
If your distractions are caused by outer influences such as your family or housemates, it is best to make your workspace inaccessible as possible. You can lock your doors, stay in a separate room with locks, or find some nearby space outside. It can be your garden shed, attic, or the apartment’s roof. As long as you feel comfortable working there, use that space.
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