Finding it hard to focus and concentrate on work

[Eldermillenialyogi]

When I work from home I can find it really hard to sit and focus on work. I know that sounds so bad but I get the urge to get up and get a drink or make the beds or basically do almost anything other than work. I do sit and try to work but just can't concentrate sometimes. It's worse if I'm hormonal and helps if I put the radio or TV on.

Any tips other than going into the office more?

I got myself a visual timer from Amazon (technically for kids but who cares?!). It goes up to 60 minutes but I usually set it for 45 minutes get a task done and then take a 5 minute break. Or if I get in the zone with something I just keep going.

Try the Pomodoro technique. Lots of resources online for it.

Yes. Get up 45 mins early and devote that to making yourself a packed lunch, doing housework chores, prep’ing dinner, and dealing with admin.

Go for a 15 min brisk walk outside just before your work day starts. Use the time to think about the tasks you need to get done at work. You’ll have your “going to work” feeling.

Establish a routine to start the day.

I find that if I put a slightly interesting Radio 4 podcast on in the background, it simulates the “easing in” effect of getting settled down to work at the office. I’ll listen to it for a few minutes and then I’m in the zone, head down, and I don’t even hear it after 5 mins.

Before my walk, i also make a big pot of tea and put it in my office under a tea cosy, along with a mug, small pot of nuts or seeds and some fruit. That way I can stay working for several hours with no excuse to move.

@TheBoysAndTheBallet Thats a good one. I have a fitness watch and set the timer on that for 45 mins usually and that does help

@ImNotShpanishImEgyptshun I don't know what that is so will google! Thank you

Thanks just seen pomodoro is about working in intervals too so maybe I need to try that more

I do try to get up early and tidy up before start

a walk or some kind of exercise is a good idea

I have Adhd... an electric sit stand desk has been really good when I literally just have to work. I also use it with a walking treadmill.

Make the space clear/nice, noise cancelling headphones even at home, large full bottle of water, some healthy snacks like grapes and nuts, good protein intake helps focus especially omega 3. Other tips that people have mentioned.

Also the website Focus Mate.

I find this too! I always think I'm going to be really productive at home, not least because my job involves a lot of researching and writing which lend themselves to being at home. But I'm so much more productive at work where there's noise and people. I think part of it is also because I have a hard deadline in the office - I need to leave to get my son - whereas when I'm WFH, I can pop out for 10 mins to get him but will still faff around working for a bit. I find the TV helps at home to provide that noise that I need to be able to concentrate

Well I am stuck in meetings all day, or so it feels, apart from a Friday so that helps but when I actually get time to stop talking and do some focused work I put headphones on and listen to white noise to help me concentrate.

DH and I also, as a matter of course, make beds, empty dishwasher and put a load of laundry on before we start work for the day, that way it’s not waiting for us when we finish.