For many entrepreneurs, working in a home office can be a dream; however, a dream can quickly become a nightmare if distractions cause you to fall behind, miss deadlines, and dread starting your day. Fortunately, there are a few small steps you can take to set yourself up for remote work success. You just have to know where distractions are coming from and how to eliminate them.
Reduce Allergies for Better Focus
How can you focus if you’re reaching for a tissue every few minutes or have to muddle through the fog of your allergy medication? Indoor allergies are a year-round problem that can make you miserable in your own home. Even the cleanest offices can still cause allergy flare-ups from dirt and dust spread through the air.
If you’re particularly sensitive to common allergens, consider buying an air purifier. These devices can remove particles in one room if you opt for the tabletop version, or you can invest in a whole-house air purifier if you have an open floor plan. This will help you concentrate and breathe easier throughout the day.
A Good Chair Is Worth the Investment
Uncomfortable office chairs are distracting in a work environment, but when there are comfortable alternatives (like your couch or bed), these can further limit your productivity. It’s easy for your bed to become your home office when you don’t want to sit at your desk. Even if you manage to sit on your old, beat-up chair throughout the day, you’re likely to experience back problems and struggle to work through the discomfort.
This is why many productivity experts recommend investing in a nice office chair. The short-term expense is worth the long-term productivity benefits and comfort. You won’t have to fight the urge to get up as much because your body will be comfortable and relaxed — just not too relaxed.
End Your Week with an Organization Spree
Before you end your work, take 15 to 30 minutes to organize your files. What papers can go through the shredder or get recycled? Which files can be put away, and which emails can be deleted? This organization spree is a great way to power down from your long week and prepare to kickstart the next one. You can even go through this ritual for five minutes every night to stay organized and prepared for the next day.
Not only will this organization ritual prevent clutter and help you focus on the most important tasks, it will also limit the spread of work through your home. Some entrepreneurs have a habit of leaving work materials in the kitchen or on the sofa. Not only are these easy to lose, they also subconsciously turn the rest of your home into a workspace. Keeping all of your work in one central location will keep you organized and focused.
You don’t have to bring in a productivity expert to find out what’s preventing you from working comfortably at home. It’s possible to drown out the distractions and create an environment where you can focus; you just have to know the right tricks.
