Creating a Productive Writing Environment: Tips for Setting Up a Distraction-Free Zome

Keeping some measure of focus is so important as a writer that you should even try to avoid distractions during your breaks. If you have an issue with distractions in your writing space, this guide will provide tips and tricks for creating the perfect sanctuary.

The Importance Of A Distraction-Free Zone

Whether you’re writing full-time or you’re just getting started, you’ll find that creating your own special writing space has many benefits.

One of them is the ability to avoid distractions. When you carve out your own space, you have more control over what’s around you and can give your work your full attention. Also, when you walk into your own writing sanctuary, you go in there knowing that it’s a place to work. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or a separate personal writing studio, getting into that working mindset could be what you need for success.

Little Things Can Be Distracting

One thing to remember about creating a distraction-free zone is that it isn’t just the TV or your smartphone that can cause an issue. Simple things like lighting and your desk setup can cause problems.

Poor Lighting

You may not realize it, but poor illumination can affect workplace productivity. Working in a room with few windows and without natural light can make it hard to see what you’re doing. Plus, natural sunlight helps to regulate your mood so you’re more alert and focused.

Working in a room with windows also means you don’t need to turn on artificial lights. If you must purchase light fixtures, try LED lights, which are more efficient and last longer. Try to find a bulb with a color temperature closer to 1000k because it’s a warmer light that can put you in a better mood. Color temperatures of 5000k and above produce a bright white light that mimics more of a clinical atmosphere and can be less conducive to creativity.

Poor Seating

How you sit can also be distracting. If you’re constantly in pain or stretching to reach the keyboard, you’ll likely need to stop writing more often than you’d like.

To protect your back, find a chair that lets you sit at a 90-degree angle so you’re not stretching uncomfortably. You also want to create a setup that allows your computer monitor or laptop screen to be level with your eyes so you’re not always looking up or down and straining your neck. Another option is a standing desk, which can help you to be more alert throughout the day.

Eliminate Unnecessary Sounds

There’s a reason why many people turn down the radio in their cars when looking for a street address, and it’s because noise can be distracting. When it comes to your writing and work productivity, noise can pose many issues, including causing stress that can hamper your creativity. Noise can also make it difficult to focus, especially when you’re reading and researching. You may find yourself reading the same sentence repeatedly.

Pick a writing sanctuary far enough from the living room so you don’t hear background noise. If you like to listen to music while writing, consider classical music that will provide inspiration and not have lyrics that can distract your thinking.

If you can’t find a traditional space to make into an office, try converting a place like the garage. Clear out the clutter, find a space near an electrical outlet to plug in your computer, and ensure the garage is insulated so you don’t get too hot or cold during the changing seasons.

The next step would be to soundproof the garage. Find suitable soundproofing material, which may include spray foam or acoustic panels. Start soundproofing the spaces around the main garage and smaller entrance doors. If the garage doesn’t have drywall, stick acoustic foam between the panels on the wall. Finally, consider soundproofing the floor because it can reflect sound waves. A thick and durable carpet will do the trick.

Tools That Can Enhance Your Focus

There are many tools and gadgets that you can use to stay focused and efficient while writing. Look online for a timer that you can sit on your desk. Set a time duration and dedicate that time to avoiding distractions as you write down as many ideas as possible. Another great gadget is a high-quality set of noise-canceling headphones. Use them to play classical music or block out the background noise from other parts of the house.

You can also find various forms of software that help you be more efficient with your writing and editing. One of them is Grammarly. Use it to review your work after it’s written or write it directly into the software, and it will fix grammatical errors as you go. Another tool is FocusWriter, which uses a hide-away interface that keeps distractions on your computer at bay. The tool also provides daily statistics and updates on your writing goals.

Conclusion

Distractions can wreak havoc on your creativity and make it impossible to concentrate long enough to write a quality sentence. Only by creating a personal writing space can you let your imagination run free. Follow the tips and tools discussed here, and your productivity may skyrocket!