8 Tips to Be More Productive While Working from Home

The upsides to working from home are obvious: a better work/life balance, more independence, and fewer office distractions, to name a few. While studies show working from home can also increase productivity, it’s normal to feel unmotivated at times.

Rest days are essential, but there are tips and tricks to tackle most work-from-home days head-on.

Here are my eight top tips for being more productive when working remotely. 

1. Start a nighttime routine

Quality rest sets you up for success. One of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep is by giving yourself ample time to wind down. Consider cutting screen time an hour before bed, writing a to-do list for the next day, and journaling any last-minute worries or thoughts that may otherwise keep you up at night.

2. Stick to 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲

Don't wake up and start working with no end in sight. Set a schedule of when and what you will be working on to have a dedicated start and stop time. This will help keep you from drifting off or getting distracted throughout the day.

3. Take breaks

If you don’t set aside time to restore your energy in between work tasks, you may catch yourself spacing out at the window or on an endless YouTube loop. Take quality moments to yourself. Step away from the screen, eat a nourishing snack, walk around the block, or do a few Cat-Cow stretches on your yoga mat.

4. Have a dedicated workspace

Your couch may be comfy, but chances are, you'll lose motivation quickly if you're hunched over the computer with “Friends” reruns on in the background. Find a space to work that is separate from your lounge areas. (Preferably, one with a door you can close!)

5. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 outside 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

It can be more challenging to focus when you're not alone in the house. Pop in headphones with ambient noises to cut out the outside commotion. You can even put a sign on the door of your home office that alerts people when you cannot be interrupted.

6. 𝗣𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆

Unless you need your phone for work, put it in the drawer or another room, so you don't find yourself scrolling Instagram for 15 minutes mid-project. It’s all too easy to get sucked into screens – make it easier on yourself to resist temptation.

7. 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽

Your lunch break is not the time to crack open a recipe book and create a meal from scratch (unless it's on your schedule). Have a healthy, already prepared meal ready to go. I like salads or avocado toast because they are light and keep me energized throughout the afternoon!

8. Play into your patterns

Are you most focused first thing in the morning? Then it’s a great time to block that time out for more creative work, like writing marketing content or designing your social media graphics. If you find yourself on autopilot mid-afternoon, set that time aside for answering emails and doing administrative tasks.

Being focused and intentional throughout the day is how you maintain the freedom and balance working from home promises you.

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