7 Ways To Deal with Home Office Distractions

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Working from home has ramped up, and it isn’t likely to go away completely. Some people even prefer a home office over a cold cubicle. There are many reasons why remote work can lead to productivity, but what do you do if your home office has external stimuli you aren’t used to? Whether you live with kids, roommates, noisy neighbors, or even alone, it’s hard to avoid distractions. Read on for ways to feel your best and most productive self when working from your humble abode.

1. Combat Stress

Stress is likely to amplify any distractions. No matter how much you try to meditate or minimize distractions, if stress is still there, you’re likely to fail. Sometimes, removing stressors just isn’t possible. There could be a deadline quickly approaching or construction outside that just won’t quit. Thankfully, there are other ways to reduce stress that start with you.

• Try therapy
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Get enough sleep
• Take vitamins if deficient
• Look into CBD

For that last point, just make sure you are getting the best CBD vape kit or other forms of CBD. This way, CBD can lower your stress without any harmful effects. You can go back to focusing on your workday. Stress can cause irritability, and you can end up not performing your best. If you reduce stress first, these next tips will only increase your efficiency.

2. Get Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sometimes, you can’t control external noises. They’re usually very annoying when trying to focus and get something done during a certain period of time. Whether it’s a jackhammer on the sidewalk or neighbors getting in an argument daily at 3 p.m., it’s possible that you can’t rid of the noise. In this case, you can try and muffle it. There are some great noise-canceling headphone options out there.

If you don’t want to shell out the cash for the best noise-blockers, try some solid earbuds in combination with white noise or calming music. There are YouTube videos made for this very purpose. LEGO even came out with a White Noise album consisting of brick shuffling and instruction page flipping sounds. However, it’s understandable if you’re sick of hearing this from the kids already! Find what works for you.

3. Create a Calm Atmosphere

Make sure your office is calm and organized. Open the windows and let in the fresh air. Candles, even the flameless variety, can add to a calm ambiance. If you have pets, they can be a welcome distraction. In fact, just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat can lower your cortisol levels.

4. Wear What You Want

Similarly, make sure you are wearing something comfortable. Sweatpants and a button-up shirt are the go-to outfit for business video chats. However, if you feel better getting dressed up and looking your best, do it. Sometimes, just getting ready for the day can make you feel more prepared for what life throws at you.

5. Set a Schedule

You probably have a schedule for yourself, but figuring out what times in the day you are most productive and least distracted may be the key here. Get an old-fashioned, pen and paper planner, or use an online tool. Whatever it takes, set a schedule that you can stick to. This way, you aren’t rushing to squeeze in your work for the day around other activities that demand your attention at home. Make sure your friends and family are also aware of this schedule. They will likely respect it more if it’s on a tangible whiteboard stuck to your home office door.

6. Take Breaks

It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to take breaks. When working from home, it’s easy to never feel unplugged from your career. Remember to take time to:

• Exercise
• Breathe
• Eat
• Power nap
• Walk
• Read

Remind yourself that you have other hobbies. This makes you feel more fulfilled and gives your brain a chance to decompress and reset.

7. Ask for Extensions

If you need more time, just ask. Most companies value transparency, especially in remote work. If you simply can’t do your best on an assignment due to distractions, reach out to your boss and let them know. It’s likely they have dealt with something similar.

Just remember that distractions and stress aren’t the end of the world. It can feel like it in the moment, but your remote coworkers will understand. Destress, minimize distractions and don’t lose yourself in work. Step outside of your home office from time to time, and enjoy life.