7 Easy Ways to Avoid Work from Home Distractions

Jun 25, 2020

Oh look, the cat is doing a funny dance! - yeah, we get that it's easy to get distracted while working from home.

Well, distractions begone! You have work to do.

Here, Communicate Better brings you 7 super easy ways to overcome distractions:

 

1. Play background music

It's true! Research has found that playing music or an audiobook during the work day helps increase focus.

So next time you're feeling distracted, stick on some whale music!

 

2. Plan and prepare your meals ahead of time

Your boss won't be happy if you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen when you're supposed to be meeting important deadlines.

Leave out-of-work chores for when you're not working! If you prepare everything ahead of time, including snacks, you won’t lose any time during your work hours.

Prepare as much as you can in advance and do the same for your family. Make snacks readily available, so you can just grab them and go and continue on with your work.

 

3. Put yourself in do not disturb mode

If you live with other people, whether they’re family or roommates, you need to be able to set aside time where you’ll be able to work undisturbed.

Let people know when you’ll be working in 'do not disturb mode' as well as when you’ll be free again. Setting both busy and available times helps to establish boundaries.

 

4. Change your clothes

Yes, getting dressed is very important! Get dressed in something that’s comfortable, but not what you’d wear to bed - this way, you'll transition out of relaxation mode and into work mode.

 

5. Break up your work

While some people can sit down and remain focused on a project for hours, most will get burned out and then are easily distracted.

Find a schedule that works for you, but remember to take breaks.

 

6. Set timers

Setting time blocks for working helps create a sense of urgency to get things done on time.

Setting timers for breaks ensures that you don’t get lost in a web of aimless web browsing, Amazon shopping, or social media.

Often what’s intended to be a quick break turns into 20 minutes or more, and you’ve knocked yourself out of a good work flow.

Be disciplined and get back to work when your timer goes off. The internet will still be there when you’re done working...

 

7. Know your distractions

Pinpoint your major distractions, and knock them out before you settle down to work.

Without an issue hanging over your head, you're more likely to focus on your work.

So if your kitchen is a mess and you can't stop thinking about it... get up early and tidy up before your working day begins.

 

Need help working from home? Read our Survival Guide here → 

 

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