After several months back in Minnesota, I’m finally preparing to head back to California. There is a lot to be said for a change in scenery. It’s become a bit difficult to focus in my current set-up in Minnesota. There are more distractions than I’ve been used to prior, and I no longer have the same desk situation from the past couple of months. I’m looking forward to getting a reset.
However, changes in scenery can be useful in the short term as well. Something I discovered last year during NaNoWriMo was changing where I work when I lose focus is perhaps the most efficient way to get my work done. While I am in a certain flow, there is no need to interrupt, but maintaining awareness of my mental state and not being afraid to change up my environment is massively useful.
Going back to my apartment offers me more environments that are conducive to focus. In Minnesota, I mainly have my room, the kitchen table, and the couch. At best two of those are useful, but really just my room has been of any use. In my apartment, I have several spots in my room, and my deck, all of which have been positive spots for me to work. This is more important during extended work-from-home times, as presented in Spaceship You from CGP Grey.
Try to find new scenery, as mundane as it is; even a simple rotation to a new surface can make do.