Staying focused while at work can be a challenge, especially if you’re not going into an office. Between social media, kids, TV, pets, there is no shortage of distractions to keep you from getting your work done. We’ve put together a list of our top 5 tips for staying focused when working from home so that you can be your most productive self!
Top 5 Tips for Staying Focused When Working from Home
Set Up a Home Office
Laying on the couch with your laptop sounds like a great way to work, but it can actually make focusing much more difficult. Choosing a dedicated area for work can help you separate your home life from your professional life. You don’t want feel like you’re working every time you sit on the couch to watch something on Netflix! If you have the room, set up a home office separate from where you usually relax. You’ll find the separation will keep you more productive and organized.
Take Breaks
Whether you’re working in an office or working from home, taking breaks is important for staying focused. Studies have shown that taking breaks positively impacts your productivity and creativity. Set a reminder in your phone or calendar to take a break every few hours to disconnect from work and take a breather. Experts have varying opinions on the ideal frequency and duration of breaks, but if you listen to your brain and create a consistent break schedule that works for you, you may find an improvement in your mood and productivity!
Set Office Hours
Many people who work from home think that they can work whenever they want, which in some situations is technically true. However, having consistent home office hours can help set boundaries for yourself and your personal life. Think about what hours you work best at and set your work schedule around those times – and stay consistent with it! This way, your clients (and friends and family) will know when you are available, and you won’t feel guilty for not constantly checking your email when you’re off the clock.
Make a List
One of the best ways to keep yourself focused is to create a daily task list that lays out everything you want to accomplish for the day. This can be typed on your computer, or even handwritten. When you write out tasks in an organized list, they seem more manageable and not as intimidating. You’ll find the satisfaction of crossing tasks off your list will give you a sense of progress and achievement, which can boost productivity!
Mute Notifications on Tempting Apps
Smart phones are one of the greatest technologies of the 21st century. They’re also one of the biggest distractions and can keep you from getting work done! If you’re not able to have a separate work phone, try to limit the time you spend looking at your phone to only work-related calls/notifications. You can even mute notifications on the apps that distract you most (social media is a common one) to avoid the temptation.
Working from Home with Kaeser & Blair
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