6 Tips for Reducing Distractions and Increasing Productivity

These days, work is wider than the office. Most people choose to work from home, and with the change in the workforce, the type of distractions we face also changes.

In addition to the usual chatter or conversations in the office, today, we face a lot of distractions, such as emails, social media, and mobile applications. However, these distractions are sometimes necessary to complete our tasks or to promote healthy relationships.

So, what do you do when you have a deadline of three hours to get your work done and lots of emails to check?

Important tips to reduce distractions and increase productivity

If you can't plan ahead, try these six tips to reduce distractions and increase productivity:

1. Start with the challenging tasks first

Regardless of your to-do list size, primarily start with the challenging tasks so you can easily continue your day. For example, if you need to finish a report at work by 3 pm and also respond to emails, it is clear that the most challenging task is to complete the report, so put emails at the end of the list because it may take longer. The CEO and success coach Brian Tracy suggests accomplishing the most difficult tasks first if you need to choose between two missions.

2. Use digital software

Utilize modern technology to your advantage and determine what works best for you to help focus. Some examples include an electronic timer, a notepad, or an action planner on your smartphone. Pick something that works well for you and is comfortable using daily.

You can look for digital programs that help you keep track of your daily activities and stay in touch with colleagues regardless of the number of projects you are working on, so use the tools along with Tip No. 1 to significantly increase efficiency.

3. Put an end to people who distract you

A little gossip at work is good. It's one of the best ways to avoid feeling isolated at work and communicating with your team. However, there are times when the last thing you need is bluster and noise. In open-environment workspaces, avoiding this kind of distraction can be challenging. If noise affects your productivity, talk to your team or supervisor about it.

One source of distraction for people who work from home is phone calls from friends or neighbors. Be bold to politely change the call date with them, be honest, and tell them you need to finish working on a project, and it will be good to have lunch or dinner with them once you finish your work.

4. Use headphones

Ensure you have headphones with you to eliminate unnecessary noise, and only check whether your office allows them during working hours. If you prefer to use headphones to be away from the chatter atmosphere, be careful when using them because you may not hear people calling you. Also, fill your music player with your favorite tunes or comfortable tunes, such as the sound of sea waves flowing.

5. Arrange your office

You shouldn't place too many items on your desk, but a small toy or picture frame is okay. Although people may argue that messy desks are a sign of a creative mind, this shows unprofessionalism at work. If you work from home, a busy office wastes your time when you are looking for anything.

Ensure that critical information is safe and away from prying eyes by keeping a clean work area, taking books and magazines home, eating away from your desk, collecting papers in files or folders, and putting things in your drawer. The cleaner your table, the faster you finish your tasks.

6. Stay away from distractions

No matter what you do, sometimes, there are still some distracting factors. There are noises you cannot ignore or people that are difficult to eliminate. In such situations, your best solution is to stay away from distractions.

For people who work in open work environments, here are some suggestions:

• If you need to focus entirely on a task, ask if you can borrow the conference room or any available free space to focus.
• Will your office be empty before or after business hours? Try to accomplish challenging tasks during those times when there are fewer people.
• Ask your boss if you can have flexible working hours; this way, you can select work away from the office on specific days.

What about people who work from home? Here are some suggestions:

• Prepare your work area away from distractions (e.g., TV, PC, or refrigerator).
• If concentrating at home is too hard, why not go to the café or public park?
• If the deadline is approaching and there are many distractions, you have no solution but to postpone work until late at night or early in the morning when the noise in your home is less.

In conclusion

Maintaining self-discipline is the key to avoiding distractions like noise and unsolicited calls until you've completed essential tasks. Then, after a long, hard day, don't be afraid to reward yourself; go home, and unwind.