5 Tips for Staying Focused at Home

Whether you’re just taking a break from the office, a daily work-from-homer, or are safe inside during a pandemic (we’ll say no more about that…) staying focused while working from home can feel insurmountable. First, you’ve got distractions galore: the fridge, the kids, the SO, the dog, Tiger King, your bed, it never ends! Then there’s the fact that you’re probably not in your usual space which throws off your whole mental game. Whatever it is, working from home can be frustrating, especially as an entrepreneur or solopreneur juggling many hats. 

At the same time, there are so many perks to working at home- unlimited coffee, periodical dog pets, and zone in and just do you. The first two might come easier than the last, so we’re offering our top five tips for staying in the zone while working from home. ADD MORE?

Organize that Workspace 

The best thing you can do to clear your mind is to clear your desk. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, productivity happens when everything has a place. So whether you’re working from the couch, a countertop, or the old nightstand you found in your garage, be sure to create a space that works for you. One of the best ways to do this is to create zones with the space you have. Start with a zone for your computer, keyboard and whatever electronics you might need, and clear everything else out. Then create Zone 2: the non-computer area that you keep clear just for papers and notebooks you’re using at the moment. Finally, organize with a third zone for files and drawers (if you’re new to WFH, be sure to organize those files as best you can), and a fourth zone with drawers, bins, or anything else, stored away! For more tips, head to our blog Office Organization: 8 Tips for Maximum Productivity. 

Crank the Tunes (or White Noise)

If you’ve got kiddos, cars, animals and god-knows-what happening in the other room, a speaker will be your friend! Help your brain focus without distraction with white noise or music. No need to buy a white noise machine - just head to this spotify playlist to drown out distractions or check out Spotify’s Work from Home Playlist to hear songs that’ll keep you going all day long. 

Try Time Blocking

Whether you’re a work from home pro or just getting into it, time blocking is the difference between nailing those tasks and just-sorta-kinda getting stuff done. We’ve all heard “stick to a schedule” when working from home, but what does that mean? Time blocking helps you create a routine by planning ahead exactly what type of work you’re going to be doing, when. Pick something like administration to start your morning, and then work towards creative projects in the afternoon, or vice versa. Just decide what you need to do at certain hours of the day and stick to it! For a more detailed explanation, head to our blog here!

Turn off those notifications

Especially right now, our phone is buzzing off the hook. Between news notifications, ingenious memes, and friends checking in, Americans are picking their phones up more than ever now. We’re not saying you should become a hermit, but turning your phone on Do Not Disturb when it’s work time will keep you laser-focused (and will probably improve your mood!). The same goes for your computer- silence those notifications in the top right corner and close out that iMessage tab. The more focus you have, the faster you’ll complete your work, and the more time you’ll have later! 

Plan Ahead

In our chaotic work, planning ahead feels impossible, but planning your work schedule is something you can definitely control. In addition to time blocking, take the time each Sunday to sit down and plan out your week. Draw out those Zoom calls, highlight important due dates, and reorganize as needed. 

Most importantly, block the time you’re going to be working throughout the week. While working from home, it’s easy to let distractions pull you away from your work. So be strict with yourself- before the week begins, set specific work hours where you’ll turn that phone on Do Not Disturb, plug those headphones in, and get to it. For more, head to our blog Why I Plan My Week on a Sunday to get inspired!

We get it, things are crazy right now! But part of adjusting to our new normal (or old normal if you’re a WFH veteran), is dedicating yourself to habits that help you lock-in. What’s important is that you do what you can in this moment. It’s not about how much you do, but how much you put into what you do. Together, we can grow our businesses or careers, from our couches!