Keeping productive at home can be harder than you may think. Maybe you’re working from home or doing creative work outside office hours. Either way, you need to make sure you’re in a productive environment. Here are some tips for making sure you can keep your concentration at home.
Making sure the room you work in is as tidy as possible is important. If you have clothes lying around everywhere, or your desk is cluttered, then your mind will constantly drift towards the mess. Before you start working, make sure everything is in its proper place. Messy rooms add to feelings of being disorganized, which can increase stress. Stress is the last thing you need if you’re trying to work from home! Of course, there are people out there who work better when everything isn’t so neat.
One of the benefits of doing your job at the office is the small amount of distractions. It’s a lot harder to browse the Internet idly with your boss looking over your shoulder! At home, you’re also surrounded by various pieces of entertainment you enjoy. Try working in a room separate from your TV and your books. Does what you’re doing require the Internet? If not, disconnect your computer from the Internet until you’ve finished your tasks.
Comfort is also essential. There are several factors to consider here. There’s the seat you’re sitting in and the desk you’re using. Does using them for extended periods of time cause you discomfort? This will get distracting. Consider upgrading your furniture. If you’re nice and comfortable, you won’t even think about what you’re using. Your mind will be fully focused on work! Temperature is another thing to consider when optimising comfort. If it’s too hot then you’ll be too busy sweating and fanning yourself. If it’s too cold, then your hands might get too stiff to use your keyboard! Keeping cool in summer and warm in winter is vital if you want to keep your concentration.
If you live in a particularly noisy area, then that can also be a problem. If others around when you’re trying to work, make sure they know to keep the noise down. If there are busy roads or roadworks going on outside, then try a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. You could listen to your favourite tracks, or to some ambient music. Some even like to work to the calming sound of rain! If you find you can’t work with sound in your ear, consider noiseproofing your room.
Remember that there are other places you can go to do work. If all you need is your laptop, consider going to your local public library. If you’re drawing, maybe you can do this outside. Anything to help break up the potential monotony of staying in the same room.
Concentration also relies on other factors. A healthier lifestyle will help with long-term concentration. Eating better and sleeping well ensures you don’t feel run down. You should also take some time to relax. Even if you’re just sitting down and writing, this uses energy. Mental strain can manifest as physical fatigue. Take some time to read or go for a walk!
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