How do you deal with distractions while working from home?

Gizem Nur Keskin
132 replies
Honestly, the distractions around the house are my biggest nightmare while working from home. Even though I am a remote worker, I try to go out and work in coffee shops, and libraries as much as possible so that I am much more disciplined. What about you?

Replies

Aaron O'Leary
I feel distractions come because of a clouded mind, so I do things that uncloud my mind like walking, cooking, reading etc. When I have a clear mind I can focus, couple that with a Pomodoro timer also.
Gizem Nur Keskin
@aaronoleary I really love reading and walking but these days I seem to cannot find or create time to do what I like. Do you have any suggestions for that?
Ishwar Jha
Wistec Assessments
Wistec Assessments
For me working from home was blessings until I was comfortable and convinced about power naps, procrastinating and living with no goals in mind. Recently, I came to "wake up Ishwar" realisation and immediately moved to a office. I don't think I was so happy since I started working from home.
Mateo Caño
@ishwarjha did you rent a long-term office or just flexible terms (month-by-month)?
Gizem Nur Keskin
@ishwarjha Yes! You get too comfortable that the line starts getting blurry! Good for you, Ishwar!
Ishwar Jha
Wistec Assessments
Wistec Assessments
@mateo_cano I started with flexible short term and now its annual commitment.
Joseph Abraham
SaaS for Greater Good
SaaS for Greater Good
Here's how I deal with it: 1. I've established a specific workspace and room 2. Communicate a lot with my family 3. Set time for work and family 4. Celebrate wins as a family
Gizem Nur Keskin
@saasfellow That's a different perspective! Thank you for the tips, Joseph!
I go out :) It's impossible to avoid distractions when you have 2 cats and 2 dogs
Gizem Nur Keskin
@alara_akcasiz agree! the most adorable distractions 🥹
Mateo Caño
@alara_akcasiz to an office or co-working space?
S.N.Dineshan
Private room and music
Harshvardhan Mishra
Setting up boundaries with your loved one, and asking for time for focussed work. Also brain.fm has been working great to keep me focussed lately.
Hemant Warier
Working from home can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. On one hand, it offers flexibility and the ability to create a comfortable working environment. On the other hand, it can be a breeding ground for distractions that can affect productivity. Here are some tips that I personally use to deal with distractions while working from home: 1. Create a dedicated workspace: Having a specific area designated for work can help to separate the professional and personal aspects of your life. 2. Set boundaries: Let your friends and family know when you are working and when you are available to interact with them. 3. Eliminate distractions: Identify what distracts you and eliminate it. This can mean closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, turning off your phone, or finding a quieter place to work. 4. Prioritise your tasks: Make a list of what needs to be done and prioritise your tasks for the day. This will help you stay focused and prevent getting sidetracked. 5. Take breaks: It is important to take regular breaks to recharge and refresh your mind. Use this time to step away from your work, stretch, and do something you enjoy. 6. Lastly, my personal favourite : Make use of time management tools and apps like Forest, which helps to keep the track of time and stay away from phone and other distractions. By implementing these tips and finding what works best for you, you can reduce distractions and increase productivity while working from home. Remember to be kind to yourself and don't stress over perfection, because we all have our off days.
Gizem Nur Keskin
@hemantwarier Thank you for taking the time to write everything in detail, Hemant! Will try to implement them into my routine for sure!
R. S. Mills
@hemantwarier Agreed! I read a great book on Time Management recently. Check out, Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman!
Lucas Oliveira
Warpy: Terminal Generative Shell
I don't really, haha. This start of 2023 it's been overwhelming with things to do, and being distracted is basically part of it. I really need to organize my agenda, and I'll look for Notion or another productivity application to do it.
Gizem Nur Keskin
@lucas_oliveira10 I love Notion even though I am a pen-and-paper girl!
Kunal Rajelli
Slingshot Design
Slingshot Design
Add ur favourite background music(on loop), write down your daily goals on a sticky note; keep it somewhere its always visible. Headphones on. Gets you into that work loop.
Amitay Gilboa
Working from libary/coffee shop, otherwise I just cant focus…
Mateo Caño
@amitay_gilboa_design what happens to me is that there are no libraries I can work, and coffee shops are too noisy to focus. Have you tried coworkings before?
Dávid Sipos
I tried pomodoro and tried to keep focusing until my 20 minutes finished
Gizem Nur Keskin
@david_sipos I've been trying to implement pomodoro into my work routine with this timer: https://www.usebeforesunset.com/... It seems to help!
Izabela
I create a to-do list at Firmbee. It helps me to focus on my daily tasks.
Gizem Nur Keskin
@izabela2 Never heard of that tool before! Thank you for your suggestion, Izabela!
Urszula Ostrowska
Honestly, all I need is a clean space - so I make sure my apartment is tidy before starting work. I also turn off notifications on my phone and turn on m "work music" ;)
Gizem Nur Keskin
@ula_ostrowska What does "the work music" sound like for you? ☺️
Urszula Ostrowska
@gizemnurkeskin It usually depends on the day and the tasks I have planned ☺️ but this is one of my favourite playlists:
- it keeps me focused and motivated!
Ajay Yadav
Discipline and habit. Takes time, but once you have them. working from home is more fun.
Brian Regan
I like being able to go to the office. I don't go in 5 days a week, because some days I do get more work done from home, but having the option is a great way to separate work and personal life.
Gizem Nur Keskin
@brian_regan I really love the office atmosphere but I am a remote worker and my office is in another city. So, I try to go to the coffee shops and libraries to kind of create the atmosphere! Hybrid is the best I believe!
Mateo Caño
@brian_regan agree! having flexibility is the best. Do you rent the office long-term or on a flexible basis?
R. S. Mills
@brian_regan Having an option is ideal, definitely!
Joanne Hurley
I get distracted just as much at the office tbh. I think a dedicated workspace helps. Breaking up the day with exercise or walks. Appreciating that its better than commuting and having to make it work as you have a better life is a big motivator.
Gizem Nur Keskin
@joanne_hurleyv1 Thank you for your suggestion, Joanne!
Murali Gottumukkala
Headphones and locking the room are a great way to keep things focussed
Gizem Nur Keskin
@murali_aasaan I've never heard the locking the room suggestion!
Utkarsh Gupta
I have tried multiple ways to effectively try and get some "Deep Work" done, including the widely proclaimed Pomodoros! IMHO, the more you try to avoid distractions, the more you get distracted by the minutest of things! The best way is to make distractions part of your daily life. That way, you get to stay engrossed in what's most important to you for most of your productive time and get back to it every now and then with a renewed sense of vigor. Doing this has earned me the tag of a workaholic but I have been able to manage my personal and professional life to a decent extent! Do share what you feel about this.
Divya
I put on earplugs
Eddie Forson
Make sure you have a room or space where you only focus on work. We are lucky enough to have a small spare room which I have turned into an office. When the door is closed it indicates to my partner that I am in "work mode". Another thing you should do is put your phone away. Phones are a massive instrument of distraction. Leave it in a separate room from where you are so that it is not within your reach. I tend to timebox my work using techniques like Pomodoro. I set clear goals that I strive to complete within the timebox. Hope it helps :).
Gizem Nur Keskin
@ed_forson Would love to have a separate working space 🥲Thank you for the tips, Eddie!