Tips to Limit Distractions and Increase Focus

We’ve all thought it while working: If I could just change my space, I would get more done. If it was quieter, brighter or if there were less distractions, I would be so much more productive.

These aren’t just excuses, they’re reality. Your workspace has a direct impact on your ability to focus on tasks. And it’s even more critical now, at a time when people are working from home, and we all have constant access to one another via phones and internet.

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Luckily, you don’t have to wait until you’ve found or created the perfect space to get more done. There are some simple tips that you can apply today that won’t cost you the time and money needed to redesign your space.

Read more below on how you can transform your space and boost focus.

Practical Ways to Be Less Distracted and Get More Work Done

✿ Create a clutter free zone

Pay attention to the area surrounding your desk or work space. When you look around, does the space evoke a sense of organization and calm? Or is it completely cluttered and cramped?

One quick decluttering tip is that things that are visible should be reserved for two categories, things you need within reach (or things you reach for often) or things you want to display.

If you have too much “on display” you may want to consider re-organizing your space and decluttering anything you don’t need anymore. Even if you have a small space, you can utilize space-saving hacks such as storage ottomans and decorative storage boxes to hide what shouldn’t be in view.

✿ Change your workspace location

If you find yourself getting up often throughout the day for snacks, packages being delivered, strange noises in the backyard, etc., it may be time to change your location.

Choosing a more isolated spot for your workspace or home office cultivates more focused work. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of being able to move their space or switch rooms. Instead, you can look for ways to adjust the space you have. Even something as simple as turning your back to the door, facing the window, or changing the lighting can help you focus better.

✿ Optimize your desktop

Don’t neglect your digital workspace when organizing. Decluttering (deleting and organizing files) your desktop is another great way to help improve your focus.

From a custom desktop wallpaper to productivity browser extensions, there are endless ways to customize your desktop or workstation to increase productivity. You can also apply some of the same hacks you would use in your physical space.

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✿ Set boundaries and create a schedule

If there is anyone else in your household, especially if you have children, setting boundaries and creating a schedule is an effective way to be more productive instantly.

Examples of setting boundaries include time alone in your workspace where you can only be bothered if it’s urgent or having a separate space that is off-limits to anyone else, even if it’s not private.

To make these boundaries more effective, set up a schedule and announce it or make it publicly available to your household members. The more consistent you are with this schedule, the more it reinforces the idea that your boundaries should be respected and creates a routine that everyone can get used to.

And even if you live alone, these tips can still help you create a consistent routine.

✿ Limit phone notifications

An obvious, yet important tip is to limit phone notifications. We’ve all found ourselves paying more attention to irrelevant tasks on our phones than the tasks we actually want to complete. Limiting that time starts by finding ways to reach for your phone less while working.

The best option is to set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” or remove it from your workspace completely while your work. But that’s not always practical or realistic. Instead, try tips like setting locks or limits on the apps that are mostly likely to distract you. You can also schedule times where you won’t check email, text messages or social media.

Having breaks where you limit contact and notifications can help you reduce mental distractions and extend your social battery.

Implement these tips to make your workspace a zone of productivity

Struggling with a lack of focus? Try adjusting your routine with one of the tips above to get back on track.

You can’t always create a perfect environment that allows you to be at your most productive. However, even applying one of these tips can help you stay focused and accomplish the tasks that are important to you.