Lisa O
Working from home has gone from being a cool office perk to a regular part of how we work these days. But when you’re remote, it’s easy for the line between work and personal life to get fuzzy, which can mess with your productivity. With the right tricks, though, you can stay on top of things and keep a good balance. Here are 20 tips to help you be more productive at home.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Pick a spot in your home just for work, even if it’s just a small table or a corner desk. Add some personal touches—a comfy chair, a plant, or a few things that make you feel comfortable. This will become your go-to work zone, and over time, just sitting there will help you slip right into “focus mode.”
Stick to a Routine
Establish a consistent start to your day. Set an alarm, have your daily morning ritual—whether it’s stretching, journaling, or just sipping tea—and begin around the same time. A steady routine makes it easier to dive into work each morning and helps keep you on track so the days don’t all blur together.
Get Dressed
We know how tempting it is to stay in pajamas all day, but changing into fresh clothes signals to your brain that you’re in “work mode.” Choose something comfy but different from sleepwear; this can make a surprising difference in your energy and focus. Plus, you’ll be video-call-ready if anything comes up unexpectedly!
Set Daily Goals
Each morning, jot down the main tasks you want to knock out by the end of the day. Keep it to a few key goals instead of a long list. Having your top priorities laid out helps you stay focused and feel accomplished. By day’s end, you’ll know you tackled the essentials without getting lost in a sea of tasks.
Take Regular Breaks
We get it—it’s tough to stop once you’re in the zone, but quick breaks keep burnout at bay. Try working in 25-30 minute bursts, then take a 5-minute breather to stretch, grab a drink, or get some fresh air. These mini-breaks keep your energy up, clear your mind, and help you stay sharp all day without feeling wiped out by lunch.
Pay Attention To Noise Levels
Quiet spaces are important for staying focused and looking professional during phone calls or video chats. When setting up your home office, try to put it as far away as possible from noisy spots like the TV or the furnace. If you can, get an office door that shuts, and a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones can really help, too.
Communicate with Your Team
Working from home can feel isolating, so try to make time to connect with your coworkers. Schedule quick catch-ups or drop a message saying something simple like “hello” or sharing something lighthearted. Staying in touch keeps you from feeling disconnected, reminds you that you’re part of a team, and often sparks ideas or solves problems.
Set Boundaries with Family or Roommates
Share your working hours with those around you and kindly ask them not to interrupt you during these times. A polite sign (like “Do not disturb” or “Work mode on”) on your door or desk can help, too. Knowing they respect your schedule helps you work with fewer interruptions, and everyone learns when you’re truly “off-limits.”
Take Lunch Away from Your Desk
Step away from your workspace for lunch—it’s like a mini-break from the “office.” Even just 20 minutes of a change in scenery can do wonders to recharge you. It feels way more like an actual lunch break and gives you the reset you need to power through the afternoon. Plus, you could even sit down with your family or roommates for a bit of company.
Move Around
Don’t stay stuck in your chair or glued to your screen for hours! Get up every hour or so, stretch out, and take a quick walk around the room. These little movement breaks not only stop you from getting stiff but also give you a burst of energy. You’ll feel more awake and ready to dive back into work.
Listen to Background Music (if it helps)
Now this may not be for everyone, but if music helps you focus, you should totally listen to it while working. Choose something light and instrumental. Try nature sounds, classical music, or lo-fi beats to create a calm backdrop. Background noise can keep you focused without the chatter of lyrics, making it feel like you’re in a cozy coffee shop, even if you’re in your living room.
Use Good Lighting
Set up your workspace near a window if you can. Natural light brightens your mood and keeps you alert. If that’s not possible, a good desk lamp with warm lighting works, too. Now you must be thinking: why all the lights? A well-lit workspace reduces strain on your eyes and makes it a more pleasant place to work.
Avoid Overworking
Set a clear end time for your workday and stick to it, even if you think you can sneak in “just one more thing.” Closing your laptop or turning off your computer at the same time each day helps draw a clear line between work and personal time. It gives your brain a chance to totally chill and recharge.
Use Task Management Tools
There are many tools out there, or even sticky notes. All these help you track your tasks. They let you see your to-dos in one place, which makes it easier to prioritize tasks and get a sense of what’s been done and what’s left. If you use these, you’ll feel even more organized and won’t have to worry about forgetting any important tasks.
Stay Hydrated
Somehow, we always forget to drink water when we’re working. You should keep a water bottle on your desk to make it easy to take sips throughout the day. It’s amazing how staying hydrated can keep your energy levels steady and can help you feel more alert. Plus, taking water breaks gives you a mini-breather that keeps you from getting too wrapped up in work.
Limit Social Media
Social media is a huge time drain. If you find it hard to resist scrolling on those Instagram reels or TikToks, try limiting yourself to set times—like checking only during lunch or after work. This keeps you from accidentally getting sidetracked in the middle of a project, which can easily turn into a longer distraction.
Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait until big projects are done to celebrate. Knock out smaller tasks throughout the day, and give yourself a little “well done” for those, too. You see, recognizing these small wins motivates you and reminds you that every step matters. Ultimately, your workload feels more manageable and way more rewarding.
Practice Self-Compassion
Some days just won’t be as productive as others, and that’s totally okay. No need to stress. Instead of beating yourself up, take a breather and keep moving forward. Just do your best each day—don’t force it. Being kind to yourself helps you bounce back quicker, keeping the whole work-from-home vibe positive and balanced.
End with a To-Do for Tomorrow
Before you log off, jot down one or two things to tackle first thing the next day. It’s a small habit, but it makes a huge difference and sets you up for an easy start. Knowing exactly what to dive into keeps you from wasting time in the morning and makes your day feel purposeful from the get-go.
Work When You’re Most Productive
If you’ve got flexibility in your schedule, take advantage of it by lining up your work with when you feel most energized. Being aware of your best flow can really make a difference. If you’re an early bird, get your toughest tasks done in the morning. If you’re in the zone after lunch, save that time for deep work. And if you’re a night owl, knock out some tasks in the evening.