When working from home, what's the best way of not getting distracted?

remind yourself that you need to do the dishes. it's AMAZING how much more interesting even the dullest work becomes, you'll pore over it like it was a masterpiece of literary magnificence. unless you *like* doing the dishes, that is.

Switch off your recieving email function!

I am not sure that my method would suit everyone but what I do is :-

1. Get dressed as if you are going to work
2. Have set times that you are working
3. When you have a coffee break then get up and leave your desk so that when you are back you know you are working.
4. Don't work on your laptop in the lounge in front of the TV.

These are just my rules for myself because I know I need discipline. Others may be able to cope with a more relaxed regime and, if they can, then that is great.

I have a room that is decorated all white, I have glass frosting on the windows so I cannot look outside, other that a desk, chair & PC with no internet access & what I need for work, that all thats in the room, no phones, no music, no clock & I often wear ear plugs to reduce any noise distractions. I also have a flask of coffee so I don't get distracted while going to make a cuppa, its often only when I need to put a light on that I know I have been busy for 6 or more hours

The key thing is to keep to your traditional work routines and time schedules.

That means no hooking up to the internet 'just for a five-minute look-see' that will last until lunchtime.

If you can, go out to the pub for lunch.

Walk there and back. Get exercise and a break plus a chance to use your long-distant vision and senses.

Talking with other people over lunch is vital for your balance and concentration. But keep strictly to one hour for lunch. Maximum.

Plus remember to give yourself a hefty kick in the backside every hour or two. Almost as if you had a strict supervisor cracking a whip behind you.