[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or many of us working from home has many benefits, but it can also be difficult to remain productive when you’re in the comfort of your own space. From welcome distractions like roommates and pets, to disturbing annoyances like arguing neighbors and noisy weed whackers, the opportunity to lose focus is virtually endless. That’s not even to mention the work-related interruptions in your workflow.
So, how can you overcome these productivity blocks and make sure you’re at peak performance when working from home? Start with trying these tips based on what’s preventing you from being your most-productive:
Procrastination
If you’re dreading a challenging project or going through the dozens of client emails waiting for you on Monday morning, it can make you stressed and lead you to procrastinate the inevitable. Instead of letting your dread get the best of you, try these solutions:
- Use CBD: CBD oil can help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety by providing a sense of calm and streamlining your focus. Try CBD oil for anxiety by CBDfx to see if it works for you.
- Put away your phone: It’s so easy to reach for your phone when you hear the notifications go off. Next thing you know, you’ve spent an hour scrolling through memes or watching videos on TikTok. Put your phone away or on silent (if you have enough self-restraint not to keep reaching for it) for a set amount of time while working.
- Try a productivity app: A productivity app like RescueTime can help keep you accountable for how you spend your workday. Not only does the app track your overall productivity based on the tasks and programs you’re using, but it also breaks down time-spent so you can see where you’re getting distracted.
Housemates
If your housemates work opposite hours or are simply home a lot, they may be tempted to talk to you while you’re working—and let’s face it, you’ll probably want to talk back. Eliminate the potential for distraction with these tips:
- Set do-not-disturb hours: Depending on you and your roommates’ work schedules, you may need to designate specific hours of the day when you need to be left alone. As long as these hours are reasonable, your roommates probably won’t have any problem respecting quiet hours—especially if they’re working from home too.
- Create a designated workspace: Lounging on the couch or in a crowded common area probably isn’t the best idea if your focus easily wanes. Instead, set yourself up with a designated work space. Whether it’s the kitchen table, a desk, or countertop, having a space where everything you need is within reach is essential to being productive.
- Help each other stay accountable: If you work the same hours and are both struggling with focus, it may be helpful to work in the same area and hold each other accountable for staying on track. Agree to go an hour without talking, taking breaks at the same time, and other productivity-friendly practices that will keep you both working through the day instead of distracting one another.
Noise
Often, noise is mostly out of your control. However, there are some actions you can take to help limit how much noise you actually hear during your workday:
- Wear noise-canceling headphones: One of the easiest solutions to noise disruptions is popping on a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones, like these over-ear, wireless headphones by SkullCandy.
- Work in your bedroom: Segregate yourself from the rest of the household by keeping to your bedroom during your work hours. That way there’s a closed-door between you and the distractions. Not only is it quieter than a common area, but it makes it easier to keep yourself accountable for staying focused.
- Close your windows: It can be nice to have the breeze openly flowing through your home throughout the workday, but it also opens you up to more noise exposure from the outside. Invest in some bedroom fans to keep you cool and keep those windows closed if outside sounds are bothering you.
Don’t let these common work-from-home distractions become excuses for falling behind at work. When you put your mind to it and take these steps to help you cut out the disruptions, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward every day.
