Work from Home: 5 Tips for Staying Focused

While many people began to work remotely due to COVID-19, for a lot of people, this will be the new normal. Many companies have realized that their staff are still productive even when they work from home, and video conference software makes it easy to communicate efficiently, so a lot of businesses are offering employees the opportunity to make working remotely a more permanent situation.  

If you find yourself still working from home for the foreseeable future, here are tips for staying focused:

Try the Pomodoro Technique

If you’ve never heard of this, it’s a time management technique that helps people stay focused. The technique has you rotate between focused work sessions and short breaks to “promote sustained concentration and stave off mental fatigue.” You pick a task, set a timer for 25 minutes, focus on the task until the timer goes off, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds of this, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. The method works because procrastination often comes from feeling overwhelmed by a project, so if you break it down into short bursts with a promised break, it feels easier to start. Visit this website to learn more. 

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are a must in order to reduce distractions from pets, noisy neighbors, or rumbling garbage trucks. While sometimes it’s enough to simply wear the headphones turned off in order to tune out distractions, listen to a good playlist if that helps your concentration. A good pair of headphones will also have a microphone and speakers so that you can easily join virtual meetings and be ready to participate. 

Have a Tidy Office Space

Keeping your workspace tidy helps eliminate distractions or excuses for procrastination and helps you stay focused. Decorate your space with things that make you feel good, like plants or a pleasing color.

Do Chores During Breaks

When you have a daunting work task while working from home, it’s easy to find other distractions in the house — even people who don’t enjoy cleaning will suddenly find the need to vacuum rather than work on their budget spreadsheet! So, plan for it. Schedule 10-15 minutes a few times a day to do the dishes, throw in a load of laundry, or tidy the living room. You’ll have a nice relaxing space in which to unwind after work. 

Move Around

Sitting all day can take a toll on our bodies, and if your body is stiff from working, the pain will be a distraction. Take breaks to stand and walk around once in a while, and If you have a standing desk, be sure to use it! For tips on exercises to do at your desk, we’ve got you covered with this article. 

Working at home can take some getting used to, but you can use the hours that you would normally use commuting to instead spend with family, friends, or learning a new hobby!