How to Avoid Distractions While Writing

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to avoid distractions while writing.

Becoming a successful writer comes with it certain challenges.

But while most people think that the lack of experience or talent is the biggest hurdle, the inability to focus causes the most problems.

Writing requires a great deal of concentration. If you get distracted by the most insignificant things, it’s going to be difficult, if not impossible, to get your thoughts down on paper.

The human brain is constantly bombarded with all sorts of stimuli, from visual and auditory distractions to the content we consume daily. Anyone may quickly get pulled in by any of these distractions for hours at a time, making it impossible to focus on your writing.

Whether you’re writing a short story, a news article, or a novel, you can’t let yourself get distracted.

If you let the stimuli win, you’ll never be able to get into the “flow” of writing, and you’ll end up with a half-finished piece.

Acknowledge You’re Too Distracted For Writing 

The first step to overcoming distractions when you’re writing is acknowledging that you are being distracted.

Most writers get so caught up in the task that they don’t realize how much time is passing or what kind of stimuli distracts them from their work.

When you notice yourself becoming distracted, take a moment to identify what’s causing it.

Is there a notification on your phone that’s calling for your attention? Do you hear something in the background, i.e., TV or loudspeakers pulling away from your writing?

The goal is to figure out the distraction so you get to address it head-on.

Prep the Ideal Writing Environment

Once you know what’s distracting you, it becomes easier to set up the ideal environment for writing.

For example, if your biggest problem is that you can’t ignore notifications on your phone, make sure to silence it or turn off all the alerts, so they don’t disturb you while working.

Similarly, if loud noises are the main source of distraction, consider working in a quiet room or wearing earplugs.

If visual stimuli sidetrack you, find a place with minimal noise and little light to work.

Let People Know You Don’t Want to be Disturbed

If you share your living space with your folks, let them know that you don’t want to be disturbed while working.

If you have kids around the house who need constant attention, find a place where they can play for an hour or two so you get to focus on your writing.

Close the doors and windows so people outside won’t disturb your peace. And if you need background noise, try playing some music or white noise.

Pro Tip: A nifty “Do not disturb” sign on the door can work wonders to prevent distractions.

Find a Writing Routine That Works for You

While creating the perfect environment is important in eliminating distractions, finding a good writing routine that works for you is also necessary.

For instance, some writers are most productive in the morning, while others prefer working late at night.

Figure out when you’re most motivated to write, and try to schedule your writing around those times.

You may want to weigh the length of time you can sustain focus on your writing task without getting sidetracked.

If it’s only for a few minutes, that’s fine. But if it’s longer, have something ready to keep yourself occupied during those times, i.e., an audiobook.

Pro Tip: A writing routine works if you establish regular times. In other words, you condition your mind to embrace the habit of settling down and writing for a particular period.

Get in the Writing Zone

So, you finally came up with a distraction-free living space, and you realize your phone notifications are bugging you more than you once thought.

The next step is to get in the writing zone.

Without distractions, it’ll be easier for you to focus on your work, and the creative juices will flow.

It means ideas come easier, and you’ll write much faster than before. All of this should help you put out quality content!

Be Spontaneous and Flexible

While having a writing routine is important, it’s equally crucial to be spontaneous and flexible. Sometimes you’ll have to write outside your “zone,” i.e. when an idea strikes or an opportunity presents itself.

This means staying in the zone requires periodic breaks so you can recharge. When it comes to taking these breaks, use your best judgment. If you feel restless or irritated at the mere mention of writing, take a walk around the block and do something else for a while before resuming your work.

With some adjustments and discipline, you’ll stay focused on your writing no matter what’s happening around you.

Pro Tip: Spontaneity means never stopping to correct your work and never waiting until you’re “ready” to write. If you encounter an obvious misspelling or grammatical error, then be it. You’ll have all the time in the world to go back and correct it later.

Adopt Mindful Practices To Help With Your Writing 

As a final reminder, you should learn how to remain “at the moment” as you write. Mindfulness illustrates the state of being aware of your surroundings and fully present in the current moment.

Many successful writers practice mindfulness when working, focusing on their writing without letting outside stimuli get in the way.

This allows you to stay focused on your work and helps improve your creativity and ability to produce unique ideas.

Adopting mindful practices is possible using various techniques, i.e., meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your surroundings.