How to Deal with Workplace Distractions?

Do you often know the number of birds sitting on the nest on the tree that is visible from the window next to you? Have you given those little birds their pet names? Do you often leave late from your workplace because you could not complete your work in the time that you spent naming those birds? Do you find it almost hard to meet your deadlines? Do you get a piece of your boss’ anger now and then? If yes, then you need to start thinking why does it happen? Why is that you find it impossible to complete your work in time?

The reason could be that you get distracted at your workplace which bars you from working at your office. You have made some amazing friends at your workplace who like to chatter around and you possibly cannot resist yourself from those gossips. Heeding to such distractions stop you from working and focusing on your work. After the gossips end at your workplace, the emails and text messages from your other friends and family start distracting you. Invitations for dinners and parties excite you more than your work. Well, anything apart from work excites everyone. It’s okay, that’s not your fault! But paying unnecessary attention to those is your fault. There are millions of distractions in our environment at our workplace or outside the workplace which can create hurdles in our work if not ignored. These distractions have been the reason you could not complete your work in deadlines and also the reason why your boss is always angry at you. It will not be surprising if you leave late every day because you are always found completing your work while other colleagues go out for parties. It is either work or party. You want to choose to party, but work doesn’t permit you. So, the distractions at your workplace are bad for you in this case.

How Do The Distractions Affect You?

#1. It decreases your IQ. A study by The British Institute of Psychiatry says that when a person checks emails while working at something creative, then his/her IQ falls by 10 points at that moment.

#2. You lose focus. When you get distracted you lose concentration on the subject, you were working on, and it becomes difficult for you to get on that topic again with the same concentration. When other things have occupied your mind, you keep thinking about them and not your work.

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#3. Your performance reduces. Distractions will reduce your ability to work efficiently. You will complete a task in more time than it would actually take. The quality of your work also decreases when you pay attention to outside distractions.

#4. You are always short of time. The time you spend enjoying your distractions is the time when you should be working and the time you should be relaxing is consumed in performing the older task leaving you with no time for other activities.

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Let us know how to reduce workplace distractions.

How To Deal With Workplace Distractions?

#1. Eliminate Distractions

If those birds outside the window are a distraction for you, then close that window. Shut the doors for any sort of distractions which hinder your work. You must know what distracts you from work. Avoid interactions with your colleagues when you should be working. Remind yourself you have a deadline to meet. Keep the notifications for text messages and calls on silent, so any message or call does not distract you.

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#2. Set Limits

Manage your time and create limitations for yourself. Set the time for chitchatting with your friends and checking emails. You can chat with your friends during the lunch break and check the emails either at the end or the beginning of the day. Stop yourself whenever you find yourself digressing from your work. Block all the social media apps for the time you are at your workplace as the internet is one huge distraction in our life. Start working in chunks. Before you feel like taking a break from work, ask yourself to work a little more. It will help you work more, and you can also have your break. Place a chart right in front your eyes which has your daily goals written on them so whenever you find yourself getting distracted, you can see that chart and focus on work.

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#3. Set A Bait For Yourself

We all work for our greed, our goals that we have set for ourselves. We know what we are working for so when you sit for work, remember your goals. The luxurious car you want to buy or that vacation that you have been longing to avail, remind yourself of such aspirations and work harder. Give yourself little treats whenever you complete one chunk of your work and bait yourself for another treat for the next set of work. Your work will be completed in time and you will have little treats all day. It’s a win-win situation for you.

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#4. Identify What Suits You

We all require a specific environment we find the most suitable to work in. Learn what time and surroundings make you more productive. Do you think music helps improve work efficiency?(https://askopinion.com/does-music-help-improve-work-efficiency-or-its-a-distraction) If listening to music helps you concentrate better, then listen to your favorite music without disturbing others. If walking helps you, then you can walk for 5 minutes and then return to your seat to work.

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#5. Meditate

Meditation has been adopted by people across the world to lead a healthy lifestyle. The whole world is going through stress and anxiety due to work pressure, and that is why people are resorting to meditation. Meditation does not only calm down your mind, but it also increases your concentration powers. Meditation works best for you if you get distracted a lot at work. Meditate for 15 minutes before you start working, or you can meditate when you start getting distracted. Practicing meditation will soothe your mind, and you will be able to look at things from a fresh perspective.

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#6. Start With The Easiest

Take up the work that you find the easiest and the most interesting first. When you will complete an easy task, it will motivate you to work more. A lot of times we get distracted easily because we find our work boring and lengthy. Therefore, start with the easiest work to stay motivated.

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#7. Take A Break

The reasons we all need distractions is that we need a break from the monotony of work. Sometimes work can be very tense and our brain needs a break. So, take a short break after completing each task to de-stress and to give your mind a little space. You may download a few games on your phone which you can play while on your break. Playing games can also help you relax your nerves but make sure you do not get addicted to them or keep thinking about the game after your break.

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#8. Avoid Procrastination

When you are distracted, you will start procrastinating. Procrastinating is not a good habit to keep because it will affect your work and your personal life. Try completing your work before deadlines, so you have enough time to relax and do other things you have been waiting to do.

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If you find these ways to deal with workplace distractions helpful, then share your views with us in the comments below.

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