How to Be Distraction-Free When Working Remotely

As a remote worker, I field distractions from every which way. My phone buzzing in my pocket, the cries of hawkers outside my window in Hong Kong, the sunshine softly calling my name, and my boyfriend in the other room getting ready for work… I mean, am I ever going to be able to put my head down and get some work done?

What I realized is the only way to be productive is to build focused work time into my routine. I found that no matter how hard I tried to resist the lures of the outside world, I needed something to keep me on track… I needed to be responsible for cutting out distractions and focusing on my work.

Implement Focused Work Time

Focused work looks different depending on the person. We all struggle differently and handle distractions in a unique way, so ultimately focused work time comes down to the individual.

What I can say is that I, myself struggle with concentration so I know that when I’m really feeling my work and accomplishing a lot, I shouldn’t pull myself away, even if there’s a more tempting offer awaiting.

It takes a lot of self-discipline to resist breaking these workflows, but what I ultimately understand is that by maintaining my flow and continuing with my focused work time, I’m freeing up a lot of time down the road.

If you’re someone that struggles with focused work time and simply can’t put their phone down, it may be worth checking out the Pomodoro Method. This strategy works in 25-minute cycles, where you work nonstop (seriously, no distractions allowed!) until the timer goes off and then you get a five-minute break. After that break, it’s another 25 minutes of focused work, before another five-minute break.

While I don’t use this method myself, it’s something that really helps to regulate focused work time, while allowing for breaks that are literally built-in.