By Oleander Johnson

In the post-pandemic world, working from home has been a dream come true for many people, but the associated perks of this new normal also come with a fair share of distractions. From social media to household chores to screaming kids, what can you do to stay focused and productive in a space constantly vying for your attention? Luckily, there are six simple solutions you can try to minimize the effects of at-home distractions.

Create a Designated Workspace

Choose a space in your home that is conducive for productivity, such as a spare room or a corner of your living room. Make sure it is an area free from distractions, and ideally, separate from your personal space (e.g. the bedroom). Having a designated workspace will help your mind associate that area with work and increase your focus.

Establish a Routine

Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it as best as you can. While it may not always be easy to uphold, having a routine can help you avoid procrastinating. With a set time to start and end your work, it will be easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance too.

Turn Off Notifications

It is tempting to check your phone or social media every time you get a notification, but this can be a major distraction. Try turning off notifications during your work hours to help you maintain longer periods of intense concentration. You can further regulate yourself by setting up specific times to check your notifications during breaks.

Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If you live in a noisy environment, noise cancelling headphones may be your saving grace. Not only do they block out distractions, but they signal to others that you are working and should not be interrupted except for emergencies. Playing music or white noise is also great for tuning out the cacophony, ensuring you can better concentrate on your work.

Take Breaks

People often underestimate the benefit of taking regular breaks, but these brief moments of reprieve can help you recharge and avoid burnout. Use your breaks to eat a snack, stretch, or take a short walk outside. Stepping away from your desk for even just a few minutes is an easy way to clear your mind so you can return to your work with fresh eyes.

Use Productivity Tools

There are many apps and tools available to help you avoid distractions, such as time-tracking tools and website blockers, applications that block social media or other distracting websites during your work hours.  With these tools, you can maximize your concentration when it matters most. You could also use a Pomodoro tool to boost your productivity by breaking your workflow into manageable chunks of focus time.

Avoiding distractions while working from home can be a challenging task and in truth, you may not always succeed. Remember, that is okay. What matters most is that you try your best. Though you might not eliminate every distraction, following these solutions will help you make the most of your workday so you can consistently achieve your daily goals.