How to stay focused
Remote working comes with its own unique challenges and it can be a difficult adjustment to channel the same level of focus as in an office environment. It’s a challenge to be able to adequately separate home and work life, and it can be particularly hard to resist personal tasks when you would normally be working. But luckily, there are ways to keep yourself productive, on track and focused whilst staying at home.
Eliminate unnecessary distractions
It’s tempting to run the washing machine or dishwasher or have a quick hoover around the house during the day – which is fine if you have nothing on your work to-do list, but not so fine if you have things that need to be done. Set yourself up in a dedicated workspace, shut the door and mute social media and news notifications. If you’re going to check your social media accounts during the day, set an allotted time in which to do so. The same goes for those household chores. Removing these unnecessary distractions will go a long way in helping you stay in the zone.
Discover your focus zone
Everyone’s focus zone is different, and it might take a bit of experimentation to find what works for you. Try moving your dedicated workspace to different places around your home, noticing the different light and ambiance. Try working different hours of the day or taking breaks at different times, and once you’ve found what helps you focus, stick with it.
Avoid putting off difficult tasks
Try not to procrastinate. Your time is even more your own at home, so don’t waste it. It might seem easier to put things off until later in the day or tomorrow because you’re not bound by office hours, but this will cause stress if something unexpected happens and you have a tight deadline to meet. If you do the trickier and most urgent tasks first, you’ll feel much better about yourself and the day ahead.
Break your day up into chunks
For those who are sharing their home space with other people, whether that be partners, children or roommates, you’re not only contending with your own schedule, you’re contending with theirs too. There are always going to be interruptions throughout the day. Break your day up into manageable chunks with regular breaks and let the members of your household know so they can work around this too. If you prefer to go with the flow, set a light schedule and as long as you’re managing to focus to work a good few times a day and take suitable amounts of rest, you’re good to go.
Use music
Listening to certain types of music can prove beneficial in helping to maintain focus and also to work quicker. For the more mundane tasks that require less concentration, upbeat music with lyrics works, but for anything more complex this could interfere with your thought process. Cinematic scores and instrumental pieces can help you get through a large chunk of time effectively and efficiently but always make sure you listen to something that uplifts you and drives you forward.
Reward yourself
To make your daily tasks more enjoyable, find a way to give yourself a treat once they’re completed. The anticipation of your chosen reward – a cup of coffee or an episode of Friends – not only gives you the motivation to keep going but it can actually make you work faster. Taking enjoyable breaks will help reset and focus your mind and prevent burnout.
Adjust your Sunday routine
Whilst it’s important to switch off from work and enjoy your weekend, it can make a huge difference to your working week if you dedicate a small amount of time on Sunday evenings to prepare for the week ahead. Get on top of the household chores and any errands you need to run, look at your priorities and write a to-do list for the upcoming week. Lay out your clothes for the next day and prep your meals. Most importantly, attend to your wellbeing and all of this will change your mindset about Mondays and set you up for a week full of new opportunities.
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