7 Tips To Improve Focus When Working From Home

 

Introduction

There are many good reasons to work from home - it offers flexibility and convenience amongst other things, but it also presents unique challenges when it comes to staying focused and productive.

It’s all good if you live on your own, or have a quiet place to retreat to – but if you share a house, or live with a pack of wild, ravenous kids, it’s a different matter!

Trying to pay attention in a meeting whilst my son is shouting at his computer in the next room, or the girls are making a fuss because they broke a nail, got me thinking – I wish I lived on my own…

But, too late for that unfortunately, so instead I started thinking about things I could do to help me focus more on my work when it’s time to grind.

So, in this article, we will explore seven valuable tips that have helped me, and will hopefully help you to help you improve your focus while working remotely.

By implementing these actionable strategies, you can maximize your productivity and create a successful work-from-home routine.

Staying Focused When Working From Home

OK, so here it goes…

1. Minimize Distractions

This one seems sorta obvious right? But distractions can be a major productivity killer, especially when working from home.

It’s so easy to slip off and start doing something for 5 minutes, only to realise an hour later you were meant to be working!

Take time to identify common distractions in your environment and take proactive steps to minimize them. Turn off notifications on your phone, use noise-cancelling headphones, or even consider using website blockers to restrict access to time-wasting sites during work hours.

As Plato once said, "The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself."

2. Designate a Dedicated Workspace

Creating a designated workspace is crucial for maintaining focus and separating work from personal life – you need a dedicated space where, when you are there, your mind knows it is time to focus.

Find a quiet area in your home where you can set up a functional workspace. Ideally, this space should be free from distractions and have good lighting.

Another trick is – only sit here when you are working. If you start using your workspace for leisure time like watching YouTube, scrolling socials or online shopping, it sorta defeats the object.

3. Establish a Daily Routine

Having a consistent daily routine can greatly enhance your ability to stay focused.

Set a schedule that aligns with your most productive hours and try to follow it consistently. This routine should include regular breaks and specific time blocks for different tasks.

By sticking to a routine, you train your mind to be more productive during designated work hours. Also note at what point in the day your energy levels start to drop off – for me this is around 1400 – 1500hrs, but it might be different for you.

During these hours, just stick to doing tasks that don’t require much cognitive processing – filing, emails, timesheets, etc.

I found that setting up my plan for the day the night before, really helped me to focus on what I had to be doing and get the most out of my time. You can download my excel schedule that I use using the link below.

>>> DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE TEMPLATE <<<

4. Practice Time Blocking

Time blocking is a powerful technique that involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities. This method helps you prioritize your work and allocate focused time for each task.

By setting clear boundaries, you can minimize multitasking and give your undivided attention to one task at a time. Research studies have shown that time blocking can significantly improve productivity and focus.

Use a Pomodoro Timer to give yourself fixed blocks of time to work on a task, followed by a short break. You can find a link to one below.

>>> POMODORO TIMER <<<

5. Implement Effective Task Management

Having a reliable task management system is essential for staying organized and on track. Use project management software like Asana or Trello to keep on top of things, or a simple to-do list to break down your work into smaller, manageable tasks.

Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency and celebrate each completed task as a small victory.

I like to just use Microsoft OneNote – I think it’s great.

You can spilt everything up into books and pages, and it is so versatile. You can insert images, files, voice record and it has a great ink to text converter if you want to use it on your phone or tablet to take notes with a stylus.

The best thing about it is it is compatible across all my devices so no matter where I am, I have access to my notes – love it!

6. Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks throughout the day is vital for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Research suggests that short breaks can replenish your cognitive resources and improve overall productivity.

Schedule short breaks between tasks and make sure to step away from your workspace. Engage in activities that relax and recharge you, such as taking a walk, doing stretches, or practicing mindfulness exercises.

If, like me you spend a lot of time in meetings, why not join on your phone instead with some noise cancelling headphones and listen in while you move about – do some chores, make a coffee, sit in the garden or take the dog for a walk!

7. Cultivate Mindfulness and Mental Well-being

Mindfulness practices can significantly enhance focus and mental well-being. Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling.

Research has shown that these practices can reduce stress, improve attention span, and increase cognitive performance – and I can honestly attest to this.

I used to laugh at an old boss of mine who used to sit and meditate each morning thinking ‘what a tool’…when in fact, he was right, and I was wrong!

I decided to give meditation a go one day and it does make a huge difference. If you haven’t done it before, it can be surprisingly quite difficult to start, but gets easier pretty quickly and helps you to keep your mind focused in one place.

If you are just starting out – perhaps try  using an app like Headspace to guide you through the process.

Conclusion

Working from home requires intentional strategies to improve focus and productivity. 

But, by implementing these seven tips – designating a dedicated workspace, establishing a daily routine, minimizing distractions, practicing time blocking, implementing effective task management, taking regular breaks, and cultivating mindfulness – you can create a productive work-from-home environment.

Remember, maintaining focus is a skill that can be developed with consistent practice and discipline. Apply these tips consistently, and you'll find yourself achieving greater focus, productivity, and success in your remote work journey.