10 ways to stay productive at home

Working from home has its perks. There is no commute, you have more flexibility, and you can work in your comfiest clothes. But it also comes with challenges.

Staying focused and motivated while juggling work, family, and household responsibilities is not always easy.

The good news is that with a few smart habits, you can get more done, reduce stress, and make working from home actually work for you. Here is a practical, no-fluff guide to help you stay focused, productive, and balanced.

Set up a dedicated workspace

Working from your bed or sofa might feel comfortable, but those areas are designed for relaxation, not focus.

Your environment has a huge impact on your mindset. When you move to a workspace, your brain recognises it is time to work rather than unwind.

How to create a productive home workspace:

• Choose a dedicated spot with good lighting, ideally near a window for natural light.

• Separate your workspace from your relaxation area. Even a small desk or chair can help set boundaries.

• Keep your essentials close by to avoid distractions and wasted time.

• Add a few touches that make the space pleasant, such as plants, a soft lamp, or an ergonomic chair.

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For small-space inspiration, explore IKEA Workspace Solutions.

If you want to create a workspace that keeps you motivated and in flow, the Focus & Flow State Guide will help you design an environment that supports deep concentration and creativity.

Get your desk ergonomics right

Poor posture or bad setup can lead to headaches, neck pain, and fatigue. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Ergonomic essentials:

• Chair height: your feet should rest flat on the floor with knees at a right angle.

• Screen level: your eyes should align with the top third of your monitor.

• Keyboard and mouse: keep them level with your elbows to prevent strain.

• Lighting: reduce glare by keeping your monitor at an angle to windows.

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For ideas and tools, check out the Ergonomic Workspace Guide.

Try to limit distractions at home

One of the biggest challenges when working remotely is avoiding the “I’ll just” mindset. You tell yourself you will just tidy up or make a quick snack, and before you know it, thirty minutes have passed.

Practical ways to stay focused:

• Do small household tasks before starting work.

• Use the Pomodoro Technique to balance focused work and short breaks.

• Keep your workspace tidy and close the door if possible.

• Turn off notifications and limit phone use during working hours.

Learn how to apply the Pomodoro method with the Todoist Pomodoro Guide.

Set healthy boundaries with your household

When working from home, family or housemates may assume you are always available. Constant interruptions make it hard to concentrate.

How to protect your focus:

• Communicate your working hours clearly.

• Use visual cues like headphones or a closed door to signal that you are busy.

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb during deep work sessions.

• Explain why uninterrupted focus helps you finish faster and have more free time later.

Start the day off right

Your morning routine sets the tone for everything that follows. Skipping structure can leave you unfocused and unmotivated.

Morning habits to boost productivity:

• Get dressed in clothes that make you feel ready for work.

• Eat a balanced breakfast to maintain steady energy.

• Spend a few minutes reviewing your priorities.

• Try a short stretch or mindfulness exercise to clear your mind.

Try this 7-Minute Morning Stretch by Yoga With Adriene to get your body moving before work begins.

Plan your day

Without a clear plan, your day can easily be overtaken by small, unimportant tasks. A schedule keeps you on track and focused on your goals.

How to plan effectively:

• Write down everything you need to do.

• Rank tasks by importance and urgency.

• Use time blocking to dedicate focus to one task at a time.

• Review your progress at the end of the day.

Tools worth trying:

• Google Calendar — for time blocking

• Trello — for visual task organisation

• Notion — for flexible planning and note-taking

To take your planning further, the Annual Success Planner is a structured digital planner that helps you set goals, organise tasks, and stay focused year-round.

Listen to music

Background music can boost mood, creativity, and concentration — as long as it’s not too distracting.

Good options for work music:

• Lo-fi hip hop

• Classical or instrumental jazz

• Ambient nature sounds

• Movie soundtracks

  
  

Spotify has a whole range of playlists designed for focus: Spotify Focus Playlists.

Take regular breaks

Working non-stop leads to burnout and reduced productivity. Short, regular breaks help your mind recharge and maintain performance.

Simple break ideas:

• Step outside for sunlight and fresh air.

• Stretch or do a quick yoga session.

• Drink water and eat a healthy snack.

• Listen to a short podcast or move around your home.

If you forget to take breaks, apps like Stretchly will remind you gently.

Keep a running to-do list

A to-do list isn’t just about remembering what to do, it’s about seeing your progress. Ticking off tasks gives you a small dopamine boost that keeps you motivated.

How to make your list work:

• Keep it visible — on paper, a whiteboard, or your phone.

• Break down big tasks into smaller steps so you can tick off progress.

• Use sticky notes for quick, temporary tasks.

• Review your list at the start and end of each day.

Tools like Todoist and Microsoft To Do make it easy to manage lists across devices.

Final thoughts

Working from home isn’t just about where you sit with your laptop, it’s about creating an environment and routine that help you do your best work. By designing a dedicated workspace, protecting your focus, managing your energy, and planning your day, you can get more done in less time and still have the energy to enjoy your evenings.

Experiment with these tips, tweak them to fit your lifestyle, and you’ll find your own rhythm. The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s routine it’s to create one that works for you.