Distractions are problematic because they are often the things that we enjoy. The concept of working at home can seem idyllic at the beginning: play with your pets, see your kids, listen to music, clean the house. You are free to multitask in a new way — but what happens when you get tired of juggling?
When your bedroom becomes your office and loading the dishwasher becomes your coffee break, it’s time to set boundaries that will help you focus. Prioritising your daily tasks and scheduling intentional breaks can help you avoid distractions when WFH.
Space in the House
Pick a place. Where you sit and what you see are two of the most important factors. You need to feel comfortable with good posture and a boring view. When you need to crack on and focus, you can’t be tempted by people-watching.
It helps to choose an area of the house that you associate with work instead of relaxation. The kitchen is often the best choice, with a table and chair that won’t tempt you to take a nap. You might find it helpful to dress in clothing that you would wear to the office too. People joke about wearing a shirt with pyjama bottoms on a conference call, but wearing smart clothes can keep you focused and avoid the temptation to relax.
A Family Deal
Family comes in all forms: children, partners, housemates, friends. Since lockdown occurred, more of us have found ourselves living in smaller spaces with other people. This company can be both a blessing and a distraction.
More people means more conversation, more noise, and more opportunities to avoid doing work. Taking yourself away from the crowd can feel antisocial and selfish, but if you were in the office the story would be different. Being present in the home gives the impression that you are available, but it is important to set boundaries with the members of your household if you want to achieve your best.
Here are a few ways to get everyone on the same page:
- Talk it out
We are not mind-readers. We need conversation and clarity to understand each other’s needs. If you are having trouble prioritising your work, get the group together and talk it out. Explain why you are struggling and what would make you feel better.
2. Make a plan
Create a plan that will suit each member of your household. Discover who needs certain resources, noise levels, furniture and space. This means that you can all work separately under the same roof without any conflict or distraction. It may even help to schedule your breaks at the same time, for conversation or walking outside with company.
3. Write it down
To keep the plan going and avoid boundaries being crossed, write it down in a diary that everyone can share. Perhaps a whiteboard or a large poster on the fridge is the way forward. It may feel awkward at first, but all of these measures can help you enjoy your time off the clock.
Cut the Phone!
Social media, Facetime and text messages have been our saving grace. Staying connected is important for our mental health and our general happiness; but when you are working from home, it is important to silence those notifications or hide the phone.
Try placing your device in a different room or turn down the volume. Your phone should be scheduled into your break-time; it cannot be an accessory for your desk. If you turn to your phone every moment you lack motivation, it will become an unhealthy habit that will distract you from the task at hand.
There is a time and place for everything, so when you are setting up your home office you need to consider every possible distraction. What room do they belong in and when is the right time to give them attention? When you prioritise and plan your day, you will find that the moments spent with your ‘distractions’ are more enjoyable.
Written by Ella Taylor
WellBe is spearheading the way to a brighter future for corporate wellness. Our innovative portal is scientifically designed and tailored to each individual employee to improve their wellbeing. We specialise in a range of services from coaching and therapists, to meditation and reading materials. Our aim is to reduce workplace stress that costs UK businesses £42 billion per year. Get in touch with us by visiting our site wellbe.global for more information.
