Do you ever find it hard to avoid the daily distractions, and keep your focus on things that need to get done around the house? We all have a tendency to become side tracked at home.
Chances are, you have a long list of important things to get done, but when it comes time to actually completing those things, it seems inevitable that distractions poke and prod us away from our goals.
Distractions may be hard to ignore, especially when it’s a noisy toy that your toddler is playing with, phone notifications, a dog barking, or many other things.
Thankfully, there are some tried and true strategies we can use to put the distractions on hold and place an intense focus on our task.
In this post, I will share ten ways to avoid the daily distractions and stay focused at home. I’ll also share a Daily Planner (that you can download for free!).
When you are intentional about avoiding daily distractions, you focus on what matters most to you.
Ten Ways to Avoid the Daily Distractions and Stay Focused at Home
1. Silence your phone
If those constant notification pings are distracting you, then it’s best to just put your phone on silent. Even the vibration setting can be distracting.
If you’re worried about missing an important phone call, then go directly into your app notification settings, to modify them. You can turn app notifications off or limit the frequency.
Another option is to simply turn on Do Not Disturb, which gives you control over what can notify you, such as phone calls, messages and alarms; but does not notify you with apps.
2. Turn on music
This might sound counterproductive, because after all, music does get our attention. However, the right kind of music can help to drown out noises that bother us, and help to create a calmer environment.
With the right melody, tempo and volume, music can have a positive impact on our mood, movement and motivation.
3. Move around
Now, this may seem impossible to actually get anything done if you’re moving around, but sometimes sitting for too long can actually keep you from doing anything at all.
A handful of recent studies have shown that too much sitting has been linked to psychological distress, depression and reduced well-being.
So, if your task requires sitting, get up and move around for a bit, before you sit down to complete your task. Or, find a way to complete your task by standing.
4. Put on headphones
You may find that certain tasks require complete silence, and using noise-cancelling headphones may be exactly what you need to focus.
Or perhaps you want to listen to something, and the best way to hear it, without any interruptions, is to listen though headphones.
5. Make a commitment
You know that you have something you should finish, but are you one hundred percent committed to seeing it through to completion? This is where you need to be honest with yourself.
If you’re not fully committed to your task, you’re more likely to allow distractions to overtake your mind. More often than not, you’ll use distractions to create excuses and exceptions that try to justify your lack of focus.
If you are committed, it will be easier to ignore distractions and keep your focus. This is something only you can decide.
6. Set a time limit
Even if the task itself doesn’t have a time limit, assign one anyway. If you have a deadline, you’ll be more apt to complete your task in a timely manner.
Rather than giving in to the surrounding distractions, you’ll be competing against the clock to get things done on time.
7. Take frequent breaks
This may sound contradictory, but it actually makes a world of difference for a busy mom. If we work too long at one time, not only do we become physically tired, but our minds tire as well. This makes us more susceptible to distractions and shatters our concentration.
Work intently on something for an hour and then allow yourself a 10-minute break. When you return from the break, you’ll be more focused, your mind will be clearer, and you’ll be more likely to work on something else for another hour without losing focus.
This strategy allows you to get more work done in a shorter time.
8. Reward yourself for a job well done
When you’re able to stay focused on an important task, reward yourself! Just keep thinking about the big picture and your reward once you’re finished with the task at hand.
This will keep you on target and you’ll finish as quickly as you possibly can. Everyone loves a treat for a job well done!
9. Use a list
Lists are wonderful tools that help you prioritize and accomplish your work quicker and easier. Before beginning, write down everything you need to accomplish and then cross out each task as you complete it.
The process of crossing things off your list is a great motivator to keep you working without distractions, plus it helps to build the momentum to get everything done.
10. Use a planner
Planners are another wonderful tool to help you to stay focused and productive. By putting a time to a task, you are more likely to stay focused on that task.
And using a daily plan can also help you to establish healthy and helpful routines.
Tip: Put your your daily planner on the refrigerator, or keep it somewhere where you will actually see it (and not forget about it).
Want the Daily Planner that I use?
Download your FREE copy below!
If you need to avoid the daily distractions in your life, I hope you will become more mindful of different techniques that can help you to focus on what you need to do.
Is ‘avoiding the daily distractions’ something that helps you to stay focused, or is this something you need to try? Let me know in the comments below!
Don't forget to share this post!
Crystal Tharp
Crystal is the owner of The Organized Home, LLC and producer of The Home Approach® program; empowering moms to create an organized home that they love, so they can thrive at home. With over ten years of combined experience working in the Professional Organizing industry and coaching industry, she combines her expertise in decluttering, organizing, and home management with her passion for helping moms to bring out the best in themselves.
While coaching moms is her God-given calling, she also loves being a mom to her young children (ages 4, 6 and 8), date nights with her husband, and family outings on the weekends. Above all, she is most passionate about following Jesus and inspiring others to do the same.
