Working from home can be a great way to avoid distractions and get more work done. But it can also be easy to get sidetracked if you’re not careful, especially if you’re a work-at-home mom and have your kids with you. These three steps will help you omit distractions working at home.
Sometimes, it can be too much to try and work from home with young kids running around. If that’s the case, consider finding a babysitter or daycare for a few hours each day so you can focus on work.
If you don’t have childcare options, there are still ways to avoid distractions and be productive.
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Step #1 – Set Boundaries and Expectations to Omit Distractions
The most straightforward way to avoid distractions is to set boundaries and expectations with your family and friends. Let them know when you’re working and when you’re available so they don’t interrupt you when you’re trying to focus on work.
It’s important to set these boundaries from the start, so everyone knows what to expect. If you have young kids at home, explain to them that when mommy is working, she needs quiet time and can’t play. Let them know that you’ll be available for breaks and when you’re done working for the day.
You can also set boundaries for yourself. If you know you’re easily distracted by your phone, put it away in another room or turn off notifications, so you’re not constantly tempted to check it during working hours.
Setting clear boundaries and expectations with yourself and others will make staying focused and getting work done easier.
Step #2 – Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Another way to avoid distractions is to create a distraction-free zone in your home. This can be a specific room or area where you work and don’t allow any other activities to happen, or it can be a more general rule, like no work in your bedroom.
The important thing is to have a space where you can focus on work without being distracted by other things. If you have young kids, this might mean setting up a play area in another room or putting them in a different room when you’re working. If you work from your bedroom, make sure your bed is made, and there isn’t anything else in the room that would distract you.
You might not need to go to such extremes if you live alone (or your family is respectful of your work-from-home setup). But it’s still important to have a space in your home dedicated to work, so you can focus when it’s time to get down to business.
Technology can also be a significant source of distraction, especially if you’re constantly checking your email or social media. If possible, set up your workstation to limit your access to these distractions. For example, if you have a laptop, put it on a stand so you can’t see the screen while you’re working. Or consider using a program like Freedom to block access to certain websites or apps while working.
If you’re more likely to be distracted by noise and sounds from the outside world, consider using noise-canceling headphones or working in a quiet room. Creating a space that minimizes distractions can increase your productivity and get more work done.
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Step #3 – Take Breaks and Reward Yourself to Omit Distractions
If you find yourself constantly getting distracted, it might be helpful to take more frequent breaks. If you’re trying to focus for hours on end, you’re more likely to get antsy and start looking for ways to procrastinate.
Instead of working for long stretches, take a break every 20-30 minutes to move around or do something else for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Get up and move around, have a snack, or step outside for some fresh air.
You can reset and come back to work feeling refreshed and focused by giving yourself a break. And don’t forget to reward yourself when you accomplish your goals! This can be as simple as taking a break to watch a favorite show or going for a walk. When you give yourself permission to take breaks and enjoy the occasional reward, staying motivated and focused on work becomes easier.
The Bottom Line
Working from home can be a great way to increase productivity and get more done. But it’s essential to take steps to avoid distractions to stay focused on your work. By following these tips, you can create a distraction-free environment and develop better habits that will help you focus on your work and get more done than you ever thought possible.