Remote work has changed the landscape of the American workforce. Ten years ago, it was a rarity. During the pandemic, it became a necessity. And now, it’s an ongoing reality.
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While working from home is convenient, it can also be distracting. Here are five proven ways to stay focused when working from home.
Get dressed for work
Truth time - nearly everyone who has worked from home can confess to working in their pajamas at least once. While there is no harm in doing this occasionally, getting dressed for work is a science-backed way to improve productivity and increase focus. Psychologists call it “enclothed cognition” - the study of how the clothes we wear influences our psychological processes. In simple terms, changing your outfit signals your brain that it’s time to shift gears. On days you really need to focus, put on an outfit that makes you feel professional, even if no one else is around.“Commute”
You may be able to take 10 steps to get from your bed to your computer. Even so, there are scientific reasons why you should create a more official pseudo-commute. Just like getting dressed for work, a ritual commute can signal your brain that it’s time to shift into career mode and focus on your job. At the end of the day, the “evening commute” can help you unwind. A lack of boundaries between home and office took a toll on mental health during the pandemic. Taking a five minute walk around the block to signal the beginning and end of your work day can help you stay balanced.Build in wellness breaks
According to a December 2020 survey from staffing firm Robert Half, nearly half of workers reported that they worked longer hours when working from home than when they were in an office. To stay healthy and focused, it’s important to schedule wellness mini-breaks throughout the day. For example, set daily alarms that remind you to take a two-minute stretch break, and block off time on your calendar each week for workouts. Regular wellness breaks will help you stay focused on daily tasks, and prevent longer-term burnout.Create a separate space
Even if you don’t have the luxury of a full home office, creating a separate workspace can help you concentrate. If you’re working at your kitchen table, remove all placemats, salt & pepper shakers, etc., and keep only work-related items on the table until it’s time to log off. If you do have a separate work desk or room at home, keep it clear of any child or pet toys, stacks of mail, and other clutter. Non-work items will subtly pull your attention away and distract you, while a clear area will help you stay laser-focused.Reset your schedule
If you toss and turn at night instead of getting a good night’s sleep, it’s harder to focus on work the next day. When you don’t get as much done, your mind can keep you awake at night, as you worry about all the things you still need to do. To break this vicious cycle, try NextEvo Naturals Day to Night CBD Pack. Premium Pure CBD can help you focus during the day, and the Triple Action CBD Sleep with melatonin can help you fall and stay asleep at night.To really boost your focus - try all five tips for a week. You may be surprised how much more you get done!
