Working from home has become the new normal for many of us, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Without the structure of an office environment, it’s easy to fall into unproductive habits or struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As someone who’s been working remotely for years, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These productivity hacks have helped me stay focused, efficient, and sane while working from my home office. Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of your workday and avoid the common pitfalls of home-based work.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Set up a specific area in your home for work. This helps your brain associate that space with productivity and makes it easier to “leave” work at the end of the day. If possible, choose a spot with natural light and minimal distractions. Your workspace doesn’t need to be fancy – even a corner of your dining table can work if that’s all you have. Invest in an ergonomic chair and proper lighting to prevent physical strain and boost your comfort during long work hours.
Stick to a Routine
Establish a daily routine that mimics a typical office day. Wake up at the same time, get dressed (no pyjamas!), and start work at a consistent hour. This structure helps signal to your brain that it’s time to focus and be productive. Include a ‘commute’ – even if it’s just a walk around the block – to create a clear separation between home life and work life.
Use the “Eat the Frog” Technique
Tackle your most challenging or important task first thing in the morning. This technique, inspired by Mark Twain, ensures you complete crucial work when your energy and focus are at their peak. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment that carries through the rest of your day. Keep a list of your ‘frogs’ and decide the night before which one you’ll tackle in the morning.
Take Regular Breaks
Schedule short breaks throughout your day to avoid burnout. The Pomodoro Technique – working in 25-minute bursts followed by 5-minute breaks – is brilliant for this. Use your breaks to stretch, grab a cuppa, or step outside for some fresh air. Try the 90-20 rule: work for 90 minutes, then take a 20-minute break to align with your body’s natural rhythm.
Set Clear Boundaries
Establish clear work hours and communicate them to your family or housemates. This helps prevent interruptions during work time and allows you to fully disconnect when you’re off the clock. Don’t be afraid to use a “Do Not Disturb” sign if needed! Create a ‘wind-down’ routine at the end of your workday to signal to others (and yourself) that you’re switching off.
Use Time-Blocking
Plan your day in blocks of time, assigning specific tasks to each block. This method helps you stay focused and avoid the trap of endless multitasking. Be sure to include breaks and buffer time between tasks in your schedule. Use colour-coding in your digital calendar to easily distinguish between different types of tasks or projects.
Implement the Two-Minute Rule
If a task will take less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming later. It’s amazing how many little jobs you can tick off your list with this simple rule. Keep a running list of these quick tasks for when you need a productive break from larger projects.
Minimize Digital Distractions
Turn off notifications on your phone and computer during work hours. Use website blockers to prevent yourself from mindlessly scrolling through social media. Consider using a separate browser for work to keep your personal and professional lives separate. Try the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach by keeping your phone in another room while working.
Use the 52-17 Rule
Work for 52 minutes, then take a 17-minute break. This ratio has been shown to maximize productivity while preventing burnout. During your 17-minute break, do something completely unrelated to work to give your brain a proper rest. Use a timer app to keep track of your work and break periods without having to watch the clock constantly.
Stay Hydrated
Keep a water bottle at your desk and aim to drink at least 2 litres throughout the day. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining focus and energy levels. If you struggle to remember, set hourly reminders or use a smart water bottle that tracks your intake. Consider flavouring your water with fruit or herbs to make it more appealing if you find plain water boring.
Practice the 5-Minute Rule
When you’re struggling to start a task, commit to working on it for just 5 minutes. Often, you’ll find that once you’ve started, it’s easy to continue. This trick is particularly useful for overcoming procrastination on daunting projects. Keep a list of 5-minute tasks for those times when you’re feeling unmotivated but want to maintain productivity.
Use the Eisenhower Matrix
Prioritize your tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix. This tool helps you categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance, ensuring you focus on what truly matters. Regularly review and update your matrix to stay on top of your workload. Use digital tools like Trello or Asana to create a visual representation of your Eisenhower Matrix.
Incorporate Movement
Set a timer to remind yourself to move every hour. Do some stretches, walk up and down the stairs, or do a few jumping jacks. Regular movement boosts your energy, improves focus, and helps prevent the negative health effects of prolonged sitting. Consider investing in a standing desk or under-desk treadmill to incorporate more movement into your workday.
Utilize Time-Tracking Apps
Use apps like RescueTime or Toggl to monitor how you’re spending your work hours. These tools can provide valuable insights into your productivity patterns and help you identify time-wasters. Be honest with yourself when reviewing the data – it’s the key to improvement. Set weekly goals for how you want to allocate your time and use the app data to measure your progress.
Implement the “Touchless Morning” Technique
Avoid checking your phone or email for the first hour after waking up. Instead, use this time for personal activities like exercise, meditation, or reading. This helps you start the day on your own terms rather than immediately reacting to others’ demands. Prepare everything you need for your morning routine the night before to make it easier to stick to this habit.
Use the “Ivy Lee Method”
At the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks for tomorrow. Prioritize these tasks and work through them in order the next day. This simple method helps you hit the ground running each morning and ensures you’re always working on high-priority items. Resist the urge to add more than six tasks – this limitation forces you to focus on what’s truly important.
Create a Shutdown Ritual
Develop an end-of-day routine to signal the end of your workday. This could include tidying your workspace, reviewing your accomplishments, and planning for tomorrow. A clear endpoint helps prevent work from bleeding into your personal time. Include a phrase or action that symbolizes the end of work, like saying “Shutdown complete” or turning off your work computer.
Embrace the Power of Music
Create different playlists for various work modes – one for focused work, one for creative tasks, one for administrative duties. Music can help set the right mood and boost your productivity. Just be sure to choose tunes without lyrics for tasks that require deep concentration. Experiment with nature sounds or white noise if you find music distracting.
Use the “Seinfeld Strategy”
Pick a task you want to improve on and do it every day. Mark each day you complete the task on a calendar. Your goal is to create a chain of marks and not break it. This strategy, named after comedian Jerry Seinfeld, is great for building consistent habits. Use a habit-tracking app to make this process digital and easily accessible.
Implement the “Two-Tab Rule”
When working on your computer, limit yourself to two open tabs or windows at a time. This forces you to focus on one task at a time and reduces the temptation to multitask. It’s a simple but effective way to boost your concentration and productivity. Use browser extensions that limit the number of open tabs to help you stick to this rule.
Practice Mindfulness
Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation. This can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase overall well-being. Even a 5-minute mindfulness session can make a big difference in your productivity and mental state. Try apps like Headspace or Calm for guided mindfulness exercises tailored to workplace stress.
Use the “Zeigarnik Effect” to Your Advantage
Start a task, even if you can’t finish it in one sitting. The Zeigarnik Effect states that people remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones. By starting a task, you’re more likely to think about it and return to finish it later. Leave your work in a state that makes it easy to pick up where you left off, like a half-written sentence or an open document.
Implement “Batch Processing”
Group similar tasks together and do them in one go. For example, answer all your emails in one session or make all your phone calls back-to-back. This reduces the mental effort of switching between different types of tasks and can significantly boost your efficiency. Schedule specific times for batch processing in your calendar to ensure it becomes a regular part of your routine.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can boost your motivation and make you more productive in the long run. Consider keeping a “wins” journal to track your progress and boost your confidence. Share your wins with a work buddy or mentor to increase accountability and motivation.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
