The benefits of working from home are dreamy. No need to deal with a jam-packed commute. No more awkward break room conversations. No need to wear uncomfortable office attire.
However, working from home comes with its share of challenges. It means having 100% accountability of your time without in-person support from peers, while being distracted by household tasks.
You'll likely need to figure out the best ways to keep yourself productive, focused, and, most of all, and sane. For some people, this means relearning how to stay productive in the face of a completely new environment, structure, and routine.
In this article, we're going to look at practical strategies for working happily from home, including how to optimize productivity and efficiency, minimize distractions, and manage your mental state.
13 Tips for Working from Home More Effectively
1. Schedule Regular Breaks
It might seem like a good idea to try and force yourself to plow through as much work as possible. But science disagrees.
You'll actually do yourself a bigger favor if you pause throughout the day to take short breaks. These "microbreaks" can reduce your stress and give your brain a much-needed recharge.
Try out the Pomodoro Technique to proactively schedule breaks in between periods of focus. It goes like this: 25 minutes of working, then a five minute break. Do this four times, then take a longer break, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Then, keep going until the workday is over.
Try the Tomato Timer to guide you through.
When possible, use your break time to step outside. Getting sunlight and fresh air can provide an energy boost and help prevent burnout throughout your day.
2. Make a Schedule That Works for You
In terms of planning your own periods to get things done, try to plan around your most productive hours.
For example, my most productive hours are in the morning. On top of that, I'm (unfortunately) easily distracted by new emails, phone calls, and Slack messages.
One of the ways I combat this is by waking up a bit earlier on days when I have a lot to get done. This way, I can cruise through my most important priorities while soaking in the silence of the morning. Then, when everyone is ready to collaborate, I'm not desperately trying to balance my solo tasks with those collaboration tasks.
If you're most productive later in the day, try planning in advance so you can block out that time and shut out all distractions.
Building consistency into your daily routineâincluding fixed work hours and break timesâcan help you maintain focus during working periods while allowing you to truly disconnect when you're off the clock.
3. Take a Real Lunch Break
Taking a real lunch break is necessary for giving yourself a mental recharge, but it also makes sure you get a nutrient boost to keep your brain at peak power.
Structured meal times also address the issue that has become the punchline of many a meme: the super common phenomenon of over-snacking while you figure out your new routine. Taking a regular, full lunch break is a great first line of defense if you feel like you're in this boat and want to get out of it.
Plus, you can use your lunch break to take a walk outside, do some stretches, or otherwise get your mind off the day's to-do list.
4. Plan Your To-Do List and Schedule in Advance
Learning how to work from home can be utter chaos. This applies even when you're mostly on your own but is often amplified when you're working with a team. New tasks and requests come up throughout the day, and there are always new tools and systems to learn.
A great way to minimize the madness is to plan your day in advance, complete with a to-do list of specific tasks. One way to go about this is to write your next workday at the end of your current one.
This way, you can be clear about where you're leaving off and where you need to start tomorrow. Knowing in advance gives you an extra boost of mental preparedness that can really be a life-saver as you navigate how to successfully work from home.
Consider using time management approaches like time blocking to structure your workday. Dividing your day into dedicated segments for specific tasks can help you stay on track and accomplish your goals more effectively.
5. Schedule Calls Wisely
Calls can take up more of your workday than you expect, especially the ones that aren’t well organized and divert attention to more important tasks.
If your day is swallowed by calls that distract from your to-do list, figure out how you can minimize them.
Here are some ideas for making that happen:
- Try using a messaging tool like Slack or Google Hangouts, where you and your team can ask each other questions and send quick updates without the need for a call.
- For issues that are too detailed or tedious to type out, record an audio, video, or screenshare of yourself giving the important details. Loom is a great free tool for this.
- Schedule all your calls into one or two days versus having a few calls each day. This way, you can keep a few uninterrupted days all to yourself.
If you collaborate with people in various locations around the world, remember to be considerate when scheduling meetings. What feels like a convenient afternoon slot for you might fall in the middle of the night for a colleague elsewhere.
6. Be Mindful of Your Self-Distracting Habits
Are you the kind of person who finds yourself scrolling Instagram ten times a day? One of the work-from-home essentials is to minimize your self-distractions by being mindful of them. Pay attention to your own patterns, so you can work around them.
For example, if you're a social media scroller, sign out of all your social media accounts on your computer and phone at the start of the workday. This way, when your muscle memory finds you clicking or tapping your way to each site, you'll have an extra reminder that you're going off course.
Another helpful strategy is to disable notifications on your devices during work hours. Many applications allow you to set schedules for when alerts are muted, helping you maintain concentration without constant interruptions.
7. Pick a Playlist for the Occasion
Music can help you be more productive when working from home. At the most basic level, music boosts your mood, which can keep you in the right headspace to plow through your to-do list.
But there's also research that shows your brain has an easier time focusing when it has the right soundtrack. This is especially true for instrumental music with no lyrics, as well as familiar music that you've already heard before.
Try browsing YouTube or Spotify for an instrumental playlist in your favorite genre. I usually listen to trip-hop playlists like this one. It's relaxing but has just the right tempo to keep me focused. But every now and then, I get fancy with a classical music playlist to switch things up.
8. Strive for 30 minutes of Self-care Daily
It's non-negotiable for you to tend to your own needs and practice self-care regularly. If you constantly put yourself on the proverbial back burner, you'll be burnt to a crisp in no time.
Pick the things that make you most happy, refreshed, and energized, and try to give yourself 30 minutes a day. Here are some self-care ideas:
- Go for a walk, do some stretching or yoga, get some proper cardio or strength training, or dance to your favorite playlist.
- Read a book or watch a movie or show that you really like.
- Explore that new hobby you've been wanting to try out.
- Call a friend or loved one for a relaxed conversation about anything but work.
- Cook or order food that makes you feel good (and don't feel guilty if pizza and cookies are what happen to make you feel good today).
- Just lay in bed and stare at the ceiling if that's what works for you!
Adding physical activity to your workday doesn't require lengthy sessions. Even brief 10-minute walks or quick stretching routines can significantly reduce stress and sharpen your mental clarity.
9. Don't Stretch Yourself Too Thin
You can't say "yes" to everything and constantly have an overloaded plate. To be an awesome team member or leader, you need to set work and personal boundaries.
This means trying not to let others veer you off course too sharply or too often. Accommodate your team when you can, but don't make it a habit to completely throw off your own process.
Another part of this is asking for help when you're feeling overwhelmed. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of teamwork.
It might also help to set boundaries for communication. Like if you constantly get bombarded with phone calls, ask your team to send messages or emails instead, or schedule a reliable time window when you can collaborate on projects and tasks.
10. Set Expectations with Other People in Your Home
Learning how to work from home can be tough. Learning how to work from home with kids, other family members, or roommates can be even tougher.
While it's not always possible to give yourself all the peace and quiet you need for a perfectly productive day, you can bring yourself closer to the goal with some concerted effort.
For example, if you're sharing a limited internet connection, try to work out a schedule for the most bandwidth-intensive activities like virtual meetings.
If you need to take shifts with your partner to watch the kids, see what you can plan in advance so that you can both still end your day with some meaningful concentration time.
Make sure they know what your days are looking like and what help you might need from them to make sure things go smoothly (and, of course, see how you can help them, too).
Talk openly with household members about when you need quiet for important calls or focused work. Setting clear expectations upfront can prevent misunderstandings and interruptions later.
11. Give Yourself Some Credit!
Do you sometimes feel guilty that you haven't been productive enough or that you let others down while you were struggling to navigate your own responsibilities?
You're not the only one who feels this way.
This is a pivotal part of learning how to successfully work from home: giving yourself some credit for all the great work you're doing and the great effort you're putting into it. It's likely that you're going to have days that feel like you didn't get one single thing accomplished.
But those days will inevitably balance out with the ones where you feel like a rockstar, checking off every item on your list while also being able to go out of your way to help your teammates and family members.
You'll find that if you regularly pause to give yourself the credit you deserve.
12. Optimize Your Workspace Environment
Your physical workspace plays a bigger role in your productivity than you might think. Creating an area specifically designated for work helps your brain switch into professional mode.
If you have the space, dedicate an entire room as your home office. If that's not feasible, carve out a corner or section that becomes your work zone.
Invest in ergonomic furniture that supports your body properly. A comfortable chair and a desk at the right height can prevent physical strain and keep you working comfortably for longer periods.
Position your workspace near windows when possible. Natural lighting can elevate your mood and energy levels while making video calls look more professional.
Make sure you have reliable technology, including a strong internet connection, a computer with adequate power for your tasks, and any software tools you need. Budget for higher-quality items that make a real difference, like a good chair or fast internet, and save money on less critical equipment by buying refurbished or used.
13. Protect Your Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is knowing when to stop. Without the physical act of leaving an office, work can easily bleed into your personal time.
Establish a firm end time for your workday and stick to it. Some people find it helpful to set a laptop curfew: a specific time when you shut down your computer and don't open it again until the next morning.
Create rituals that signal the transition between work and personal time. This might be changing clothes, going for a walk, or doing a quick workout. These activities help your brain shift gears.
Use calendar blocking not just for work tasks, but also for personal time. Schedule self-care activities, exercise, and family time just as you would schedule meetings. Treat these blocks as unmissable appointments.
If possible, create physical separation between work and relaxation areas. When you step away from your work space, you're signaling to yourself that you're no longer in work mode.
Communicate your working hours clearly to colleagues and clients. Let them know when you're available and when you're not, so they don't expect immediate responses during your off hours.
Remember to protect sensitive company information when working remotely. Use secure connections, encrypted communication tools, and follow your employer's security protocols to keep data safe.
How to Work From Home and Stay Sane
At the end of the day, learning how to work from home effectively is a matter of trial and error. It's a combination of knowing and learning about yourself, then working on ways to accommodate yourself in a way that keeps you comfortable, happy, and able to get all your work done.
If you're feeling frazzled and frustrated, start small. Maybe you can add a few more five-minute breaks to your day and see if that helps you mentally recharge. Maybe you can add a walk around lunchtime to get away from your computer screen. Maybe you can cut down the number of calls you have.
Keep experimenting until you find your groove. It may feel tough at first, but you'll get better with every new day!
Work from Home FAQ
How Long Should Your Breaks Be When Working From Home?
While it might seem like a good idea to work non-stop with no breaks, it’s actually more effective and efficient to give yourself regular pauses. On a regular work day, try working for 25 minutes, then taking a five minute break. Do this four times on repeat, and then relax for around 30 minutes. This technique will help you stay productive without burning out halfway through your day.
What Gear Do You Need to Work From Home Effectively?
It’s probably easier to feel more comfortable at home than at a workplace, but that doesn’t always translate to productivity and the best health outcomes. Ergonomic equipment can be really helpful here. Ask your employer for a home office budget for a small desk (bonus points if it’s a standing desk), ergonomic keyboard and mouse, well-designed chair, and headphones so you don’t bother everyone around you. The wrong setup can do damage to your neck and back long-term, and not having office equipment can make it easier to mix your downtime and work time. If you spend too much time working from the sofa, you’ll never stop!
What Habits Should You Watch Out for When Working From Home?
Working from home comes with a whole host of distractions, especially when there are no coworkers or managers to curb unproductive habits. You may catch yourself wandering to the kitchen for a snack one too many times, or scrolling on Instagram and TikTok instead of working efficiently. It’s best to watch out for habits, especially the little ones you may not notice, and create an environment that helps you focus. If you don’t need your phone for work, put it as far away from you as possible. If you like to graze, give yourself a longer lunch break and have a proper meal, so you’re less tempted to step away from your work station constantly.
How Do You Prioritize Self-Care When Working From Home?
Self-care should be a priority whether you work from home or the office. It’s important to give yourself around 30 minutes or so per day to do something that brings you comfort, joy, and focus, but not toward the work itself. For example, you can go for a walk or do a midday yoga class, read a few chapters of the book you’ve been putting off, call a friend to check in, take a brief siesta, or cook a healthy meal to recharge.