How to Improve Focus While Working from Home

Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have the comfort of your personal space; on the other, distractions lurk around every corner. The dog barks. The laundry beckons. Notifications ding incessantly. How do you stay focused amidst this chaos?

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Imagine trying to concentrate while sprawled on the couch with the TV murmuring in the background. It’s not ideal, is it? A dedicated workspace—a desk, a chair, and preferably a door—can help signal your brain that it’s time to work. Keep it tidy. Keep it sacred. No Netflix marathons allowed.

2. Embrace the Art of Time Blocking

Time is slippery. Without a plan, it evaporates. Enter time blocking: the act of assigning specific tasks to specific hours. Start your day with a schedule. Include breaks. Work in short bursts, like 25 minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute breather (hello, Pomodoro Technique!). You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when every minute has a purpose.

3. Eliminate Distractions (or At Least Try)

Let’s be real: distractions are everywhere. Social media, household chores, even your own wandering mind. The trick? Minimize them. Use apps like Freedom or Focus@Will to block online temptations. Put your phone on silent and hide it in a drawer if you must. Out of sight, out of mind.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Your focus is directly linked to your well-being. Skipping meals? Neglecting sleep? Guess what—you’re sabotaging yourself. Eat a balanced diet. Stay hydrated. Move your body, even if it’s just a quick stretch between calls. A healthy body fuels a sharp mind.

5. Set Boundaries with Family and Friends

“Can you quickly help me with this?” sounds innocent enough until it derails your entire afternoon. Be firm but kind about your work hours. Use a sign on your door, or simply communicate that during certain times, you’re off-limits. People will adjust, and so will you.

Focus isn’t about eliminating every distraction—it’s about managing them effectively. Experiment with these strategies to find what works best for you. And remember, perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is.