It’s the Monday morning again, you hit the snooze button the fifth time already. You roll out of bed, kick off your socks and slip in your fuzzy slippers, and make your way to your home office (aka the kitchen table). A trusty laptop in your arm and a morning cup of coffee on the other hand, you’re all set to conquer the day. Sounds ideal, right?
Well, let me tell you, the reality of working from the comfort of your own home can be a blessing and a curse. Of course, you’ve got the freedom to create your own schedule and start your work whenever time you want to (depends on your workload that day) and on the other hand, more distractions lurking around every corner – a new series episode on Netflix, that pile of laundry, and don’t even get me started on the allure snacks in the fridge.
We’ve all been there. As a fellow millennial navigating the wild world of at home work, I’ve experienced my fair share of laziness, distractions pitfalls, and watching YouTube clips that lasted way longer than they should have.
I have always wondered how some people seem to effortlessly manage their time, conquer their to-do lists, and still have time to indulge in their side hobbies? It’s like they’ve unlocked the secret formula for being a productivity pro. Well, as I have found out: It’s all about finding the right balance, establishing a routine that works for you, and making the most of your home office setup.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into twelve practical strategies that will help you stay focused, and productive while working from the comfort of your own home. From setting up your designated workspace, to implementing power hour and everything in between, we’ve got some tips to help you crush those deadlines and achieve your work-from-home goals.
01 Make Sure to Have a Dedicated Workspace
An essential tip I learned lately that has worked wonders for me is to have a separate and dedicated workspace. Seriously, having a designated area in your home solely for work can do wonders for your focus and productivity. It doesn’t have to be a fancy corner with expensive desk and ergonomic chair or anything. They important thing is to have an area where you can mentally switch into work mode. Here’s a tip: if you don’t have the luxury of a dedicated room, try using a curtain to separate the space or even a pair of noise-canceling headphones to create a mini work sanctuary. When you have that designated space, it helps minimize distractions and creates a clear boundary between work and house life.
02 Dress the Part
I know all too well the temptation to stay in your pajamas all day is oh-so-real (been there), but let me tell you, there’s something different about putting on proper clothes other than your cozy bed attire. When I actually change out of my sleepwear and put on something presentable, I instantly feel more focused and ready to conquer my to-do list. It’s like a metal boost for my productivity! But okay, I get it, sometimes you just want that cozy comfort. There are some clothes you can buy that don’t sacrifice the comfort while looking still presentable. You’ll never know when your boss calls for an emergency zoom meeting, right?
03 Set Boundaries
This one is different from the one I talked about earlier. This time, let’s talk about a crucial skill we all need: setting boundaries between work and personal life. It is important to clearly define your working hours and tell them to your family, friends, or roommates (if you have any). Why? Because separating personal time from work is essential for our productivity and sanity.
Here’s how you can do it: Be honest with yourself, then create a schedule and stick to it. You have to set specific start and end times for work. Write it down if you must. But also, don’t forget about those well-deserved breaks throughout work hours. Use them to grab a drink, go for a short walk, or do something that gives you a mental break.
Always keep in mind that setting boundaries for yourself doesn’t make you any less responsible.
04 Use Color to Your Advantage
You may not be aware of it but colors can have a significant impact on our mood and productivity. For instance, green can promote a sense of calm, blue makes us focus and yellow can boost our mood and creativity. So why not experiment with different colors in your workspace? I’m not talking about going full-on artist mode and paint your whole wall with murals. I’m talking about adding pops of color here and there to spice up your workspace. You can bring in small potted green plants or hang up a nature-themed painting to create a calming atmosphere. Or try incorporating shades like beige or soft warm grays, which can limit distractions. Or maybe, add in a bright yellow notepad beside your computer area where you can easily see them. A touch of color helps in making your workspace feel more inspiring and conducive to productivity. Get creative and have fun with it!
05 Digital Minimalism Approach
Decluttering your digital workspace helps minimize distractions. If your computer desktop is a chaotic mess of random files, screenshots, and icons, your focus will likely be destroyed easily. Take some time to go through your files and delete the ones you no longer need. Remove unnecessary apps and browser extensions. Here’s a tip: create a temporary folder where you can keep files that you aren’t sure what to do with. Then decide later. I know it might sound like a daunting task, but you don’t have to tackle it all in one go. Set aside a small chunk of time during the weekend, like 15–30 minutes, and dedicate it to minimizing digital clutter. You’ll be amazed at how decluttering your digital workspace can instantly clear your mind and help you stay focused.
06 Embrace Ergonomics
If you’re anything like me, you’ve definitely found yourself hunched over a laptop on the couch or working from a dining chair while sipping your third cup of coffee of the day and wondering why I’ve developed a tight neck all of a sudden.
If you’re constantly craning your neck to see your computer screen, consider getting an adjustable monitor stand or investing in an ergonomic chair that supports your back and helps maintain good posture. Or if you’re feeling resourceful, try using a stack of books to bring your screen to eye level.
Optimizing your home office setup for better posture and physical comfort will not only boost your focus and productivity, but it will also have some long-term benefits. It can reduce eye strain and prevent serious neck and backaches. Your body will thank you in the long run.
07 Create Distraction Playlist
This tip is for people who don’t like working in complete silence. Why not jazz up your workspace with some tunes? Just head on over to your favorite music streaming platform, like Spotify or Apple Music, and start curating your very own playlist. Call it your “Focus Playlist”. Look for tunes that aren’t too distracting, like ambient sounds, lo-fi beats, or instrumental tracks. Whenever you feel your attention slipping or distractions creeping in, just hit play and let the soft music help you regain your concentration quickly.
READ MORE: 12 Simple Tips for a More Productive Weekend
08 Try Desk Yoga
We all know that sitting in front of our computers for long hours can leave us feeling stiff and lethargic. To shake off the stiffness, add some movement to your workdays, incorporate stretching routines or simple yoga poses that can be done right at your desk. In less than 10 minutes, you can sneak in some light exercises right at your workspace. All you need is your trusty desk and chair. Stretch those arms, roll your shoulders, and don’t forget to give your legs some much-needed circulation. If you have the opportunity, step outside for just 15 minutes. Take a brisk walk, work in your yard, or even do some outdoor trampoline jumping.
09 List Your “Done List“
We all know about the ever-popular “to-do list”, right? But let me introduce you to the mostly unheard of “done List”. Write down those tasks you’ve conquered, big or small. Creating a “done” list is very simple. You can use a note-taking app on your computer, or a small notepad. Jot down what you have accomplished throughout the day. Maybe you sent that important but dreaded email or completed that PowerPoint presentation (everything counts). The goal is not to focus solely on your to-do list but also cultivate a sense of accomplishment and motivate yourself to keep going. This list is all about celebrating all your wins.
10 Use Power Hour
Designate an hour or two during your workday where you dive headfirst into your most important tasks with laser focus. During this time, eliminate all distractions and tackle your top-priority tasks. For me, my power hour stretches from 9 to 11 am, although sometimes it shifts to 8–10 depending on my schedule. Find that time in the morning that suits you best. Set aside uninterrupted time to conquer those high-priority tasks. It is time to put your phone in silent mode, close those unnecessary tabs on your computer, and get things done. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in these focused hours. I know everyone’s schedule and priorities are different, so it’s important find the time that works best for you.
11 Create Micro Goals
It’s the old-age question: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. The same can be said about our big, daunting tasks (or goals). Break down larger tasks into manageable micro-goals. Micro-goals are bite-sized actions that can make the seemingly impossible suddenly achievable. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the enormity of a project; break it down and focus on achieving these small chunks of accomplishment. I recently used this technique to tackle a project that seemed insurmountable. First, you need to identify the specific tasks that need to be accomplished, set deadlines for each mini-goal, and stick to them. By breaking it down into micro-goals, I not only completed it, but I did it in less time than I initially thought.
12 Use Non Traditional Workspace
Although it’s nice to have a proper workspace in your home, we all know that being cooped up in the same spot day in and day out can drain our creative juices. Occasionally, shake things up a bit by working in alternative locations within your home. Personally, I love to sometimes plop my laptop down at the kitchen counter. It’s flooded with glorious sunlight, and it gives me a fresh perspective. Plus, being close to the snacks doesn’t hurt either. Seriously, try working from the patio, balcony, or even a cozy corner with a change of scenery to stimulate creativity and productivity. But if you’re really itching for a bigger change, why not try a coworking space? Try it once a week and see if it fits you. These places are filled with other motivated people and a vibrant atmosphere.