I work from home (very part time) doing social media marketing for Flourish-Living.com. I love it, but have found that while working on my computer from home, it can be really easy to get distracted. This little routine has helped me to stay more focused during the precious few hours I have to work and is just nice!

Before I sit down to work I set my intention for that time. A few things that I can for sure accomplish in the time I have and maybe one stretch goal. I then light a candle, get myself some chocolate chips, set THIS TIMER for 60 minutes and get to work!

I have found that really defining my goals and making the experience pleasant helps. We also can't really focus more than about an hour, so when the timer goes off I take an active break. Or more likely naps are over and it's time to play.

ATOMIC HABITS has a lot more info on this topic and is an excellent read.

Social media.... It can be an incredible tool, but also an incredible distraction and even a burden. I love to connect with people on Instagram and Facebook (old school?) and share the things I'm learning as well as learn from the people I find there. However, the platforms are incredibly addicting to me (anyone else?). I can quickly and frequently get sucked in searching for a dopamine hit or a way to pass the time and I personally hate that!

From 2022-2023, I took the better part of a year off of social media and an incredible thing happened. I started reading again, I started researching again, I planned and planted a garden, I learned to make sourdough, I learned to and started making soap, I designed and built a fort and a chicken coop, I dove head first into the world that is beef tallow, I read my bible, I spent time in prayer, I dabbled in watercolor painting. I honestly overwhelmed myself a little with all the things I wanted to do and try. Haha! It was awesome to be creative and to learn deeply again, something that I was no longer in the habit of doing because scrolling on social was easier. That lesson has stuck with me. 

I personally don't want to cut social media out of my life entirely at this point, so I've found a balance that works for me. I allow my self to have social media (specifically Instagram) on my phone anywhere from 1-3 days a week, depending on what's going on that week. Then I delete the app for the rest of the week (or weeks if I'm really busy or sick of it). I will look at IG and FB on my computer occasionally when they're off my phone to check messages, but the platforms don't have the same pull on a computer. 

This practice has given me freedom that I didn't know I needed. It has maintained my ability to be creative while still allowing me to connect via social. It's not a perfect system and not for everyone, but it's what's working for me in this season.