One of the most attractive benefits in today’s job market is the option to work from home. Studies have shown that virtual workers are happier, more productive and better able to manage work-life balance. Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with the office through digital meetings and instant messaging. However, staying focused on your work can be challenging at times. Here are a few tips to help you avoid distractions when you’re working from home.
Manage Your Attention
Set some boundaries around your home office environment to help you keep your attention away from any possible distractions. Productivity expert Maura Thomas advises,” Attention management is your ability to manage your attention; it’s the antidote to constant distraction.” Thomas suggests making a list of your worst distractions and writing personal rules on how to resist them while you’re working. If turning on the television is an issue for you, keep the remote in a drawer. She also recommends mindfully staying focused on a single work task at a time instead of trying to multi-task throughout your day.
Keep Work Hours
Schedule eight hours of work time daily and give yourself an hour for lunch. Then stay self-disciplined each day to dedicate those hours to work activities only. Limit your personal activities, like checking social media or playing a fun game on your smartphone, to your lunch hour or a break.
Take Short Breaks
Reward yourself with a couple of short breaks during the day. Take a walk around the block, spend some time playing with your pet or chat with a friend. Thomas advises switching to a different activity sends oxygen to your brain and keeps you more alert for your work tasks.
Learning to manage your attention, sticking to work hours and taking short breaks will help you avoid distractions when you’re working from home.
