Over time I have learnt to adapt to working from home. I get to enjoy the comfort of my own space, set my own schedule, and avoid the hassle of commuting. But working from home also comes with its own challenges: distractions.
Distractions are everywhere. They can be external, such as noise, phone calls, or visitors. They can also be internal, such as boredom, fatigue, or lack of motivation. And they can be very tempting, especially when you have no one watching over you.
One of the biggest distractions for me is my dog – Bruce . He’s a loyal companion and a great source of joy, but he also demands a lot of attention. He doesn’t bark often, but he always wants to play. Sometimes I feel guilty for ignoring him while I’m working at my desk.
Another major distraction for me is actually related to my job. I have inherited the Adobe Marketo instance for my company with very limited handover. It’s a powerful tool that enables the automation of our digital marketing campaigns, but it’s also a rabbit hole that can suck me in for hours. If I spot a mistake, or I notice something odd, I can be side-tracked for hours.
How do I deal with these distractions?
How do I stay focused and productive while working from home? Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
- Set boundaries
I have a designated workspace in my home where I do all of my work. It’s away from the main sources of noise. It’s also where I keep all my work-related equipment and materials. When I’m in this space, I treat it as if I’m in an office environment: no personal calls or texts (unless urgent), no browsing unrelated websites (unless necessary), no playing with my dog (unless it’s break time). - Schedule breaks
Working non-stop can lead to burnout1 2, fatigue3, and reduced productivity4. That’s why I make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to refresh my mind and body. I use a timer app to remind me when to stop working and when to resume. During my breaks, I do something relaxing or enjoyable, such as stretching, reading, listening to music, or playing with my dog. - Communicate effectively
Working from home can make me feel isolated1 5 from my colleagues. To overcome this challenge, I use various communication tools to stay in touch with them regularly. I use email for formal messages, Teams messaging for quick updates, teams meetings (using video) for meetings, and phone calls for urgent matters. I also make sure to communicate clearly1, concisely3, and respectfully6 with everyone involved in my projects. - Stay motivated
Working from home can also affect my motivation levels3 4. To keep myself motivated, I set clear goals3 for each day, week, and month. I track my progress3 using online tools such as Microsoft Planner. I reward myself3 for completing tasks or milestones. And I seek feedback6 from others on how I’m doing and how I can improve. - Avoid overworking
Working from home can blur the line between work and personal life1 2. To avoid overworking myself, I establish a regular routine1 that includes waking up early, getting dressed, walking Bruce, eating breakfast, starting work at a fixed time, ending work at a reasonable hour, walking Bruce again, and a minimum of two hours unwinding before bed. I also respect my availability6, meaning that I don’t check work emails or messages after hours unless I get an urgent Whatsapp message or phone call. I am not a member of the emergency services, so this is a ‘non-negotiable’ – I am VERY strict about this rule.
Working from home has its pros and cons. But by following these strategies, I’ve been able to deal with distractions effectively and get more work done.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your workspace at home, you might want to consider getting a standing desk.
A standing desk is a desk that allows you to adjust its height so that you can stand or sit while working. If you want to know how I chose my standing desk visit this article – How to choose the right standing desk for your homeworking setup..
