If you’re having trouble focusing while working from home, well, join the club.
There are studies that show people are more productive when they work remotely, but that’s not the case for everyone.
At home, there are so many distractions that get in the way — especially when you’re on lockdown with the entire family.
But still, there’s work to be done — and you’ve got to be the one to do it. So let’s buckle down and explore a few ways you can improve your focus while working remotely.
Change your environment
If you’re on lockdown at home, it may feel like this one is a lost cause. But there are probably a few things you can change. If you have a spare room, consider using that as your office. If you’re forced to work at the dining room table, get a partition to separate you from the rest of the family.
This will help get you mentally ready to work when you’re in this space, and it will help let everyone know when you’re working and when you’re not. Because, really, it’s not fair to expect the kids to guess whether you’re browsing Facebook or working on a spreadsheet when you’re lounging on the couch.
Set clear work hours
If you have young kids at home, this one can be a challenge. But try your best to set clearly defined work hours to keep work from spilling into your personal life. It’s all too easy to put off work during the day on the promise to get to it later, but ask yourself what you’re really giving up.
Once you start trading work and personal time, the lines get blurred very easily. The next thing you know, you’re switching back and forth between work and personal tasks and nothing gets done well.
Assume the best
It’s easy to take a work email personally, and when all you have are emails without face-to-face communication, it’s easy for things to get blown out of proportion. Remind yourself daily to assume the best of everyone or you may find yourself in an anger management class instead of management training.
Set a timer
If you’re really having trouble sticking to a schedule, try the Pomodoro technique. This productivity hack requires you to work for 25-minute intervals with mandatory short breaks in-between. The idea behind the concept is that we’re more productive with a regimented schedule and regular breaks.
During these breaks, consider taking care of some of the items on your personal to-do list. This could help clear some of the mental clutter that’s keeping you from focusing on your work. And it helps you get all the benefits of working from home without the stress.
Working remotely can be a blessing, but it can also be a major source of stress. It’s all about how you handle your time and manage your productivity. In a way, it’s like being your own boss. It’s up to you to ensure you’re productive and focused. And with a few tips, you can be successful at both.
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