Master the Art of Focus: A Guide to Staying Present and Productive While Working from Home

As working virtually continues to be the preference for many, I am hearing from my clients that it's more challenging than ever to find ways to stay productive and focused on one task at a time while at home.

With the distractions and temptations of a home environment, staying present can be tough, the dishwasher needs emptying, and the washing machine needs to go on and look at that plant over there, it's dying! 🥀

But seriously, there are many factors at play here. A big one is increasing workloads, we are being asked a lot of, alongside putting pressure on ourselves to 'do it all' and to 'do it perfectly' - it can be really difficult to focus on one task at a time. Multitasking is great, but not when trying to complete many tasks at once that need your full attention, *Spoiler Alert* that road leads to burnout.

However, I promise, with the right habits and mindset, you can be productive working from home, which in turn will help you to stop feeling overwhelmed by your workload.

Here are some tips for staying present while working from home.

1. Start with a clear mind
   Before diving into your work tasks, take a few minutes to clear your mind. This can be done through meditation, deep breathing, or simply stepping away from your workspace. Clearing your mind allows you to be fully present and focused on the task at hand.

2. Prioritise your tasks
   Make a list of your work tasks and prioritise them according to their importance and urgency. This will help you stay focused on the most important tasks and avoid being sidetracked by less important tasks.

3. Eliminate distractions
   Identify what distracts you in your home environment and eliminate it. This can be anything from turning off your phone to closing your email inbox. By eliminating distractions, you can stay focused on the task at hand and give it your full attention.

4. Take breaks
   It is important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus. This can be anything from a quick walk outside, to reading a book or taking a nap. By taking breaks, you can come back to your work tasks with a fresh mind and increased focus.

5. Stay organised
   Staying organised is key to staying present on each task while working from home. Keep your workspace tidy and free of clutter, and use tools like calendars and to-do lists to help you stay on track.

6. Focus on one task at a time
   Multitasking may seem like a good idea, but in reality, it only leads to decreased focus and increased stress. Instead, focus on one task at a time, and give it your full attention. This will help you be more productive and stay present on each task.

7. Practice mindfulness
   Mindfulness is a technique that helps you stay present in the moment. Practice mindfulness by focusing on your breathing and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings. This can help you stay focused on the task at hand and avoid getting sidetracked by distractions.

8. Use a Pomodoro timer

   A Pomodoro timer allows you to set 25-minute timers and fully focus on one task for the duration of the timer, then use the timer to have a short or long break and set another 25-minute timer when starting a new task.

Staying present and productive while working from home is a challenge, but by prioritising your tasks, eliminating distractions, taking breaks, staying organised, focusing on one task at a time, practicing mindfulness, and using a timer you can stay present and productive, no matter what the day brings.

Click the link below to book a 30-minute call with me to discuss how coaching could help you to improve your focus and productivity long term.