It is hard to accomplish your to-do list when you have a lot of things going on and you cannot muster the strength you need to do so. This is primarily because of the stress that has been bothering you for quite some time. It may have even amplified during this pandemic. Despite that, you need to keep pushing and hustling to get things done.
Working at home can present some challenges that you need to conquer with the right mind and discipline. You cannot deny that there’s a chance you’re having some difficulty staying focused and productive during these uncertain times. Don’t fret. Here are some tips to stay laser-focused when working from home.
Tips in Staying Focused While Working from Home
● Do Some Introspection
Know where you can function at your best. If you are aware of what works for you. You can tailor your routine to it. So, if you know you work best between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., schedule your most "critical" tasks then, and save the less demanding tasks for later in the day when you're less productive or concentrated.
● Make a List
Lists may appear to be a little out of date. Keeping track of all your to-dos, on the other hand, will help you stay focused while working from home and give you a place to start each day. The list can serve as a reminder of what needs to be accomplished regularly.
You should create a to-do list. This works in two ways: it brings the current workday to a close, making it easier to move from your home workplace to your home life. And since you've already outlined your tasks and objectives for the day, you can start the next day with a laser focus.
● Design and Build Your Dedicated Home Office
Working from home, in most situations, allows you to operate from anywhere you want. Although having this freedom is usually one of the perks of a flexible career, having a home office is always a good idea.
● Plot Your Day Out
Begin by determining when you are most productive and concentrated, and then plan your work hours around those times. This entails establishing and adhering to boundaries. Staying concentrated when working from home necessitates this.
● Avoid Distractions From Others
Let well-intentioned family members and friends know that, even if you're at home, you don't have time to socialize endlessly. Instead, for a fast boost, strike up a conversation with them during one of your breaks. Often, stick to your schedule by working the hours you've set aside for your job. If you are having trouble how to approach your family members, research how to talk about boundaries with your family when you're working from home.
● Limit Your Screen Time and Exposure to Social Media Apps/Sites
It is easy to get carried away and be consumed by your phone or gadget. Without control, you may spiral more into the depths of the internet. This is sound guidance that can be applied at any time. Even on a slow news day, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the relentless stream of breaking news updates. But it feels like something new happens every few minutes these days.
When your phone beeps, checking to see what happened will divert your focus, making you a less efficient worker. During a pandemic, however, these frequent checks will make you nervous, which can cause you to lose focus on your job.
● Know Your Priorities and Create Yourself a Calendar
How can you keep focused if you don't know what to concentrate on? Keep a calendar in your home office to keep track of the activities you need to complete. The more this calendar is planned, the better. Make a regular priority list of what work needs to be completed to meet the deadlines, and then write it down. A whiteboard, a planner, or an online calendar may be used.
● Have a Break, Grab a Breath
The goal is to provide a visual representation of what you need to concentrate on so that when your mind wanders, you can refer back to the list and get back to work. Some people suggest that we need to take a 90-minute break from our job every 90 minutes. Working from home can be difficult because we don't always have the mental comparisons that office employees do, such as people leaving for lunch, grabbing coffee, and so on. Plan when you will take breaks depending on your meeting schedule, workload, and goals before the day begins.
● Stay Active
Even if it's just a short walk, physical activity is necessary. Lack of activity is harmful not only to your body but also to your mind since it can make your brain slow. Don't be afraid to include a workout or any kind of physical activity in your daily routine. This not only keeps us physically fit but also gives us a mental boost, allowing us to stay focused during the day. This is difficult to do if we do not allow ourselves to move during the day. When you're finished with this, your emotions will be clearer, which will help you be more efficient for the rest of the day.
● Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Just like you want to stay focused on your work productivity, you’ll also want to create boundaries with food intake. That said, you still have to eat. And, the advantage of working at home is that you can create your own fresh and healthy meals without relying solely on the microwave. You should also learn to take care of your body and always hydrate. Fix or pattern your sleep schedule as long as you catch a good 8 hours of sleep.
To be effective and remain ahead of the game, treat it as though it were a single entity. You may also want to set some food consumption limits. Having said that, you must feed. Working from home also allows you to prepare your own fresh and balanced meals rather than relying solely on the microwave. You should also learn to look after your body and drink plenty of water. As long as you get a solid 8 hours of sleep, you can fix or pattern your sleep schedule.
Final Thoughts
It's normal to become distracted from time to time. Relax and take it easy on yourself. It can be difficult to stay focused when working from home, but with some planning and perseverance, you can become more efficient and successful. Implement these suggestions gradually and you'll be amazed by how much more you can do throughout the day.
For more tips and topics you can learn and apply in your life as a professional, check out FlexiSpot's FlexiWellness Center and website for related articles and a catalog of products today.
