Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
Why do people not take you seriously when they find out you work from home? People seem to think I am always available and that’s just not the case!
It’s Me vs. the Constant Ding
You sit down to get something done, and before your brain can even lock in, your phone lights up. Again. And again. It’s a never-ending cycle of distractions, and somehow, everything feels urgent—even when it isn’t.
I used to try and power through it. Respond, swipe, come back to my work… but all it really did was split my focus and wear me down. Eventually, I realized I needed to stop playing defense with my time and get intentional about how I protect it.
Do Not Disturb Isn’t Optional
Let’s get this straight—DND is not rude. It’s necessary.
If I’m working, my phone goes on Do Not Disturb. I don’t care what time it is. I don’t care if someone might need something. If it’s a real emergency, they’ll find a way to reach me. My husband and kids are the only ones that can get through, period.
This one habit changed everything. No more phone lighting up every 3 seconds. No more jumping from task to task like a squirrel with WiFi. Just peace and focus.
Notifications? Shut. Them. Down.
If you haven’t gone through your apps and turned off every unnecessary alert, what are you doing?
I don’t need to know every time someone goes live, likes a post, or drops a new sale notification. I’ve disabled badges, sounds, previews—all of it. Now, the only notifications I get are the ones I actually need: messages from family, calendar reminders, and maybe a package delivery. That’s it.
I Create a “Work Bubble”
Focus doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a whole vibe.
Before I start a task, I set the scene. Clean space. Smoothie or tea. One of my wax melts warming in the background (usually something like Mystical Rayne or Lynleigh’s Lemon Meringue for that fresh, calm energy). I turn on ambient sounds or a lo-fi playlist, and suddenly my brain knows—it’s time to get locked in.
I Don’t Trust Myself (And That’s Smart)
Look, I’m not going to lie to myself and pretend I won’t reach for my phone. I will. So I set up boundaries for that, too.
I keep my phone out of reach during work blocks and use a site blocker on my browser. If it’s not accessible, I won’t use it. And when I do need a break, I schedule it—10 minutes to scroll, stretch, snack. I take lunch when my husband does so we can talk, then it’s back to business.
Final Thoughts: Take Back Your Focus
The world isn’t going to stop interrupting you. It’s not going to get quieter. So you’ve got to be the one to take control.
Turn off what doesn’t matter. Create space that supports your focus. And stop feeling guilty for setting boundaries with your attention.
You don’t owe constant access to anyone.
You owe yourself progress—and peace.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.