Negosentro|7 Ways To Limit Distractions While Working Remotely|Working remotely has numerous advantages. You have the capacity to be more productive in a shorter amount of time. You can be more flexible with scheduling, improving your quality of life and work-life balance. You get to avoid long commutes, most office politics, and time-consuming activities that take you away from important matters. It can be a challenge, though, to minimize distractions when you’re working from home. Here are a few ways to make sure you stay on-task.
1. Have a Designated Office Space
While it might be a fun change of pace to work from your sofa or out on your deck, you’ll have the most long-term success if you create a designated office space. There, you can set up an ergonomic seating arrangement, have all tools on hand, and more effectively separate your work from your home life. It’ll be then easier to relax, unwind, and get into “home” mode once you’ve stopped working.
2. Get Dressed
Occasionally, you might work while wearing a bathrobe. Over time though, it’s best to get dressed — even the process of changing into something comfortable after waking up tells your brain that you’re ready to accomplish something. While using video conferencing and other remote working tools, it’s important to convey a sense of professionalism even if you’re going casual. It’s easy to have some fun with your wardrobe by adding an interesting accessory or two — it’ll make getting dressed more interesting and raise the spirits of your coworkers during virtual meetings!
3. Make Lists
From project to action lists, there are several types that can help you sequence and prioritize. Digital and/or analog, the choice is yours — you may need to do some synchronization with the way things are done at work (for example, using a Google calendar), but also find a personalized way to make lists that is meaningful and helpful for you. Checking off progress brings feelings of accomplishment that encourage greater satisfaction and productivity.
4. Put Your Phone Away
It’s crucial to direct your attention away from your cell phone while working on tasks or communicating with customers or coworkers. Continuous smartphone use during the workday can be the single biggest drain on your productivity, decreasing efficiency and fragmenting attention. Try putting it out of reach for a decent stretch of time and see what a difference it makes.
5. Pinpoint Distractions
You’re an individual in relation to a household, and your particular distraction situation is as unique as you are. Take time to pinpoint what you have to deal with; whether it’s family members who stroll into your work area, loud television, construction outside your window, or pinging notifications. Then find creative ways to remove or mitigate those distractions as much as possible. It might involve setting firm office hours, using noise-canceling headphones, or making other modifications.
6. Limit Social Media Time
When you’re working remotely, it’s tempting to check your social media feeds frequently — particularly if you’re feeling lonely. If you want to be productive, resist the urge! Not only is it detrimental to your work and highly addictive, but it also may leave you feeling even more disconnected.
7. Take Breaks
Once you’ve got a work rhythm going, it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks when you’re working remotely. You might make a quick call to a friend, take a dance or exercise break, daydream, putter around the house, or get outside for a while. Anything that gets your body moving and your mind off work for a short period of time will refresh you and make it easier to return to your workspace with a positive, uplifted attitude.
Limiting distractions when working remotely will increase your enjoyment and make you more effective. Try these suggestions to help you focus.
Image Credit
