Dealing with Distractions While Working From Home

My husband and I are both continuing to work from home, and likely will be for the foreseeable future. This marks the 9th week that both of us have been home full time; and let’s just say, some days are better than others. 😂

This has been a huge adjustment for all of us. Even those who continue to go into work, protocols and procedures have likely changed with their jobs. We are all trying to figure out how to stay healthy and how to make our new reality manageable. 

And beyond just manageable, we’re trying to figure out how to thrive and succeed in this current culture. So for those of us continuing to work from home, here are some tips for success (and sanity!)

Workspace

It’s important that we keep a designated workspace. Whether that’s in an office or at the dining room table (🙋‍♀️), it should be the sole place you conduct business. 

For me, when I tried working in different locations in the house for a “change of scenery,” I started to associate all of them with work; and the added stress that comes with work.

Step away from your workspace and have lunch or eat a snack. Don’t get in the habit of eating at your desk. Not only is it distracting, but you don’t want to start associating your workspace with eating. The “quarantine fifteen” is a real and ever-present danger! 😬

Create a dedicated workspace and stick to it. We need to maintain spaces and rooms in the house that are escapes; places we can go to get away from work and unwind.

Organize

Keep your workspace organized. Clutter and disorganization just lead to more anxiety and stress. Put fresh flowers or family photos on your desk. Anything that will bring a calming atmosphere and put a smile to your face.

Schedule

Make a schedule and stick to it. 

My “office” is right next to the kitchen. It’s tempting to peruse the refrigerator and pantry throughout the day. (Like I said, some days are better than others!)

But when you set a written schedule, it’s much easier to stick to it. Make it achievable, realizing you need breaks throughout the day. 

For example:

7:30-10 a.m. work

10-10:15 a.m. have a cup of tea, go outside for fresh air

10:15-12:30 p.m. work

12:30-1 p.m. lunch break

1-3:30 p.m. work

3:30-3:45 p.m. play with the dog break 😊

3:45-5:30 p.m. work

Set a schedule that works for you and your situation. Whatever it may look like, it’s important that your day has structure.

And make sure everyone in the house is aware of the day’s schedule, including the kids.

Lists and Goals

As you know, I love lists; couldn’t survive without them. I have lists for my lists.

Create a daily to-do list or make goals that you want to accomplish. Set your priorities to keep you on track.

If you are more productive in the morning, set an early alarm and get lots of work done before the rest of the house even wakes up. If you’re a night owl, strive to start your day later and work into the night when you are most productive.

Get Dressed

Not that any of you necessarily work naked… 😳 Just don’t stay in your pajamas all day. Even if it’s sweatpants and putting on a nice top. (What I now like to call business on top, comfort on bottom!)

By looking professional, we feel more confident and inspired. 

When I was in nursing school, every day that I had an exam, I got dressed up and did my hair and makeup. No matter how prepared (or unprepared!) I was for the test, I went into it feeling good about myself and confident that I could accomplish anything!

Don’t mishear me; I’m not placing emphasis on outward appearances and superficial looks. It’s what’s on the inside that counts! ❤️ I’m a pretty simple girl; I just think when we feel confident in ourselves, it leads to higher productivity and assertiveness.

Distractions

The kids need help with their school work, the dog needs to be walked, bills need to be paid, dishes need to be done, laundry needs to be folded, the husband needs help finding something that is most likely right in front of him.

Distractions are endless. Especially when your home has now also become your place of business. And a school.

I think one of the solutions for dealing with these distractions, as stated above, is adhering to a schedule and having structure. Do personal tasks and chores around the house when you are “off the clock.”

In fact, today as I was trying to work, I heard the dog sprinting around upstairs. “Zoomies” means one of two things. Either she has just come in from being outside in the rain (which she hadn’t). Or the more frequent occurrence: she has something she’s not supposed to have. 😫

It certainly wasn’t in the schedule, but I had to take an unscheduled break in order to investigate. Walk up the stairs, and I see toilet paper strewn around as the dog is still sprinting back and forth. Chase the cheeky monkey for several minutes until she finally gives up said toilet paper roll. Of course, not before consuming heaven only knows how much TP. 🙄

I know the dog getting into mischief is nothing compared to some of the distractions others of you are facing. Which brings me to my next point…

Redirect Focus

My husband’s actual home office is located directly below “my office” in the dining room. I never realized before now how thin our walls are. 😫 He is on conference calls all. day. long. Seriously, I never knew the man was capable of talking this much!

Again, the theme for today: some days are better than others! Some days he doesn’t have as many calls, while other days I simply have more patience.

On those bad days when I hear him on the phone all day long and my patience is growing thin, I try to redirect my focus. Instead of being frustrated and irritated, I am grateful he still has a job. Instead of complaining about my workspace at the dining room table, I am thankful we can pay the bills to live in our home. 💗

Socialize

Have something to look forward to at the end of the day. Whether it’s eating dinner together as a family, FaceTiming with friends, or having a Zoom game night. This keeps us motivated and gives us something to look forward to. 

Take Care of Yourself

Especially when you are also caring for others, it’s easy to neglect yourself. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Take time for you. Be good to yourself.
Don’t neglect you. Maintain your self-care routine. Exercise, journal, take a deep breath before the day starts. Sit down in silence and enjoy that cup of coffee before the hectic day begins. Listen to calming music and reflect on everything you are grateful for.

Relax

Take time to relax and don’t be so hard on yourself. These are uncharted waters for all of us. We’re all trying to figure this out. There is no handbook for how to deal with this situation. It’s unprecedented and we’re all just trying to make the most of it.

Take a deep breath. You got this! 😉

Are you working from home still? What are some things you’ve learned throughout this process? Comment below! 👇