How to stay focused while remote working?

Do you find yourself procrastinating as soon as it’s time to work? Reading the same email over and over again because you can’t concentrate on what it says? Spending too much time on a task that shouldn’t have taken very long? All of these signs point to you losing your focus. 

When you’re working remotely from home it can be tough to concentrate, especially when you have an adorable four-legged friend at your side. The good news is that with some simple tips you can regain your focus and have a productive workday. Here’s our top ten tips on how to concentrate: 

1. Know what works best 

As you work, you’ll realise that you’re more productive at certain times of the day compared to others. Once you figure out when you’re at your best, start to schedule the more taxing tasks for that time and leave the less demanding things for when your concentration levels start to wane.

2. Make a list

First things first, prioritise what you have to do for the day by making a list. By keeping track of all your to-do’s, it will help you stay more focused while working remotely and organise your tasks effectively for the day. Adding some smaller tasks like responding to an email to your list for you to complete first will help you gain momentum for the bigger, more time-consuming pieces of work. 

3. Structure your day

Keeping a routine is crucial to working remotely so once you’ve figured out your most productive times of the day, do your best to stick to the schedule. This may mean creating strict office hours so your friends, family, and neighbours know that when you’re busy, you’re busy. The sooner you create these firm boundaries, the less interruptions you will have. 

4. Create a home office

One of the major benefits of remote work is the fact you can quite literally work anywhere, internet permitting of course. But by carving out a specific place for yourself to work, you automatically switch your brain into work mode. When it comes to how to concentrate long-term, creating a calm space where you can focus on the task at hand is essential. If you have a separate space to create an actual office, then great, but if not, try to create a dedicated workspace where you can focus. 

5. Create a calendar

When you have a lot to do, it can be hard to know what to focus on, especially if your deadlines are set over a period of weeks. Creating a calendar will help give you an overview of your days and give you a more visual view of your tasks. Prioritize your work in whatever way works for you, be it a physical calendar, a planner or an app and keep it close at hand so when your mind starts to wander, you can quickly refocus. 

6. Manage interruptions 

We know it’s impossible to remove all interruptions completely (and some may even be a welcome interruption - cat trying to sleep on your laptop? We'll definitely allow it...). That said, keeping interruptions to a minimum can really help improve your concentration. A good starting point is to limit the notifications on your phone. Switch off anything that isn’t important or work-related and consider blocking out certain times of your day to reduce distractions from social media, friends, etc. 

7. Stop multitasking

By concentrating on one task at a time, you give yourself the mental space to actually be productive no matter how tedious the task may be. By giving it your full attention, you’ll get it done faster. If you multitask, not only do you stress yourself out by switching between tasks, you also don’t give the task your full attention which then impacts negatively on your ability to complete the work. If you’re really struggling, a change of scenery may really help clear your mind. 

8. Schedule breaks 

Be as diligent with your breaks as you are with your deadlines. It’s really important for your brain to take regular breaks, especially if you're working on a screen for the majority of the day. Schedule in short breaks as you work, especially if you find your attention ebbing. This can mean going to make a hot drink or playing with the pooch (or both!). If you’re in the flow and work through a scheduled break, remember to still take that time once you’ve finished. 

Related article: Top tips for first-time house sitters

9. Block distracting websites

TikTok, we're looking at you (unless you're working on your furry friend's rise to TikTok fame!). As detrimental as technology can be when it comes to maintaining focus, there are many options out there that can work to your benefit. Focus extensions for your browser allow you to block certain websites you know will distract you, like Twitter and Instagram. So, if you find yourself tempted to check social media during your work hours, all you’ll see is a blurred image and a reminder to get back to work.

10. Set a timer

On days when you’re really struggling to focus, try setting a timer on your phone or use a productivity program. Set the timer on your phone for however long you consider appropriate, turn off push notifications and then put it out of sight until the timer goes off. This tactic puts a strict structure on your time and refocuses your attention on the task at hand.

11. Get some fresh air 

It can be easy to stay sedentary while you’re working remotely but keeping up with some sort of activity (preferably outside) is incredibly important for your physical and mental health. Taking a walk with your new furry friend not only benefits them but also gives your brain a mental refresh so you can focus better when you return home. It also gives you a much-needed change of scenery and helps you become more productive for the rest of the day.

Related article: How house sitting influenced my writing

12. Know when to clock out 

It can be tempting to take a laid-back approach to remote working, but that can quickly lead to burnout. Create a predetermined set of work hours so that you can enjoy your evenings off and feel ready to jump straight back into work the following day. If you let yourself fall into the habit of squeezing work in here and there, you create an imbalance between your work and social life that isn’t productive or beneficial for your wellbeing. 

Staying focused when you work remotely can be a challenge, but with our tips and some determination, you can learn how to concentrate better when you’re remote working. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re struggling to concentrate. Not every day is going to be as productive as the last, and sometimes you just need to be patient with yourself, schedule a few breaks and keep trying your best. 

If you’re looking for more inspiring articles and helpful pet advice, head over to the TrustedHousesitters blog for more great reads.