Working distraction-free, who wouldn't want that?
Posted on July 3, 2017 • 2 min read • 344 words
Sometimes you hear the deadline approaching. You know you still have so much to do. Then an email arrives that you quickly read. Then you need to check how many new messages and likes you have on Facebook. Quickly check Instagram to see which new photos have been posted. And before you know it, another day or evening has passed, while you could have spent this time better doing what you wanted to do. And now?
Distractions
Much has been written about how to work without distractions. Of course, it starts with eliminating all physical distractions, like a crowded desk, a cluttered room, or the overpowering noise from outside your room.
But you also have the necessary distractions on your computer. The popup of a new email arriving, your Facebook page open in the background, your Twitter alerts. It takes a lot of effort to resist that
Distraction-free work
Fortunately, there are solutions to work distraction-free, such as:
- Tidy up your desk/workspace
- Close all applications except the one you need
- Close the window if the noise bothers you
- Put on some nice, not overpowering music, for example Workday Lounge on Spotify
In addition, there is also all kinds of software for your computer that helps you not to be distracted by social media, email and other things.
FocusWriter is a simple, distraction-free word processor for Linux, Windows and macOS. With FocusWriter you can fully focus on writing.
If you cannot stick to your own rules and intentions regarding social media and distraction-free working, Self Control may be useful to you. Er, yes, the program. With Self Control you block everything that can cause distraction, for as long as you want. And the great (or annoying) thing is that you can’t turn off Self Control prematurely. Even a reboot doesn’t help.
And if you think you can switch to your smartphone to get your fix of social media, think again. Freedom blocks certain apps and websites on your smartphone. This way you will (hopefully) become more productive without distractions.
