Working from home can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, long commutes are eliminated and time can be maximized for work purposes. On the other hand, responsibility for your own work productivity can be a bit of a challenge for some. Here a few ways to stay focused and conquer distractions while working remotely.

Define Your Workspace

A dedicated home office might support this goal for some, while for others simply clearing off a table before settling down to work may be enough. Whatever you choose, taking a moment or two to arrange your physical space in a way that encourages productivity will have huge payouts in the long run. 

Eliminate Distractions

Many remote workers find that temptations such as social media or video streaming are all too easy to get caught up in. Others find that frequent interruptions from personal texts or phone calls can be a real bother. If you find yourself tempted to browse other websites while working from home, consider a productivity tracker or website blocker that will eliminate those distractions during work hours (or for whatever duration you choose). If your phone notifications keep pulling you away from work, try putting your phone on airplane mode for set periods of time. Alternatively, simply move the phone to another room; some workers report that moving their devices out of sight can help to remove the temptation.

Take Breaks

Although it might seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks will actually help you maintain focus for longer periods of time. Schedule a snack break, a walk around the block or even a doodling break to give your mind a chance to reset after tackling a pile of work tasks.

With a little mindful action, working from home can go from distracted to laser-focused. In the end, a little bit of planning and action will keep your brain sharp and time management skills effective every time you work remotely.